Lazio – Udinese

By: cathal | May 9th, 2009

Lazio take on Udinese later today as two evenly matched teams do battle with different prospects in mind. The Zebrette are beginning to believe in an unlikely Europa League dream whereas all our hopes of reaching that competition hinge on the Coppa final next week. I can make no promises regarding the quality of this encounter but it will most definitely be an interesting tie.

I know the posts here have dried up recently but I’m really trying not to overdo the Coppa hype. It’s clear as fans, we have one eye set on Wednesday and I’m sure it’s the same for the players as well. However, the show must go on, the league must go on and we must give a good impression of ourselves on the field today. If you understand Italian, check out this press conference from Rossi. According to the man himself, he sees today’s game as a tester with the big finale ahead and if you believe him, we will give our all today. The line-up is expected to be strong with only Kolarov, Brocchi and the slightly injured Pandev and Foggia likely to be rested. Muslera shoud remain in goal with Radu on the left, De Silvestri on the right and Siviglia and Rozehnal in the centre. Dabo and Mauri come into the midfield with Lichtsteiner out on the right side of midfield and Matuzalem will play in the centre. Not sure if Ledesma is injured, suspended or just being rested but he looks set to be absent at least. Rocchi and Zarate will be upfront more out of necessity than anything else. The bench should be very youthful. Here is the line-up:

Lazio (4-4-2): Muslera, Radu, Rozehnal, Siviglia, De Silvestri, Mauri, Dabo, Matuzalem, Lichtsteiner, Zarate, Rocchi

As for Udinese, hell hath no fury like a soccer team scorned and these guys are gunning for us. They believe in what I see as an unbelivable dream but there’s nothing worse than playing a side convinced that they are better than they actually are. Not that I’m underestimating them; they’re a good team, a very good team but if they think they are in for an easy game today, they’re wrong. I believe we will turn in a good performance and with a bit of luck, we’ll get a result under our belts as well. Forza Lazio!