Sampdoria – Lazio

By: cathal | January 27th, 2009

Lazio will travel to Genoa to take on a Sampdoria side that currently lie precariously close to the bottom of the table. It’s an unfamiliar scenario for Cassano and co. and we will be looking to take full advantage of that tomorrow evening.

However, preparations for the fixture have got off to the worst possible start. There was an incident at Formello today. A group of incredibly irate Lazio fans decided to confront the squad regarding their performance against Cagliari on Sunday. We all saw the game and we know why they have gone to such lengths. In saying that, a line was most definitely crossed. It’s one thing to confront the coach or the captain (Rocchi) and let your voice be heard but it is something completely different when you confront individual players to insult and threaten them. That appears to be the case with one fan and Kolarov. That is not acceptable and it’s unjustifiable but we can all see why some of our fellow fans are enraged and I’m sure we would all agree that the tifosi has a right to let their feelings be known but it is senseless to personalise the problem. How must Aleksandar be feeling now? Not good I would assume. Thankfully Delio calmed the situation before it spiralled beyond control.

Here’s a snippet of the confrontation, courtesy of PDL:

In terms of the actual squad that will line out tomorrow, big changes are expected although nobody really knows. I’d be certain Radu will step back in for Kolarov if he’s available and Dabo will take Brocchi’s place. Cribari and Siviglia should come into the backline and Lichtsteiner will be very lucky to keep his spot. If Zarate picks up another yellow, he will be suspended for the Milan tie so Delio is reluctant to select him. That means Pandev and Rocchi are likely to start in attack with Meghni (not fully fit, unlikely), Mauri or Foggia in the trequartista role. I wouldn’t be shocked if Inzaghi is given a shot either. It really is difficult to call what Delio will do and all predictions work on the basis of him sticking with the three man midfield. Personally, I can see him going 4-4-2 for this game but we will have to wait and see. Oh, there’s also the possibility that Carrizo will be dropped but I’d be massively surprised if he is.

As for Samp, they will have to make do without influential defender Sammarco and primary hitman Cassano (rejoice!). Nevertheless, they need the win every bit as much as we do because if they lose, they will be caught firmly in the grip of the relegation pack and that is a situation they will be desperate to avoid. I know we will get a reaction out of our boys; we have to but it’s difficult to know at present whether the reaction will be positive or negative. I would safely say Mazzarri is going to set up his team with three points in mind and I expect them to go about it in a very professional manner. Hence I am quite apprehensive about dropping points here.

Expect the unexpected. Forza Lazio!