Torino – Lazio

By: cathal | September 27th, 2008

Lazio will travel to Turin tomorrow afternoon to take on a Torino side who have had a mixed start to the season and are looking to pick up points. After what can only be described as a scintillating performance against Fiorentina, we will have bags of confidence and will be going all out for a win.

This game will be by no means easy. It pains me to bang on about it but we did win only two away games in Serie A last season and although we have already got one under our belts in this campaign, Torino are a slight step up from Cagliari. However, we have come a long way since the Cagliari game and there is no reason to fear Torino at all. For me, Torino are comparable with how we were last season; they could have a good season and break the top half but lacking in overall quality to challenge the best.

Therefore I feel we need to capitalise and take all three points. The impressive display on Wednesday night will most likely result in a similar line up for this game. Rozehnal will probably be left out again and replaced with Cribari who will thus partner Siviglia in the centre of defence. I think this is the sensible option; Rozehnal has been tired, Cribari and Siviglia actually work well together and both were solid against the Viola. The only worry for defence is Lichtsteiner who has a minor muscle problem. Rossi could rest him and slot De Silvestri into his place as a precaution. With regards to the midfield and the attack, Rossi will look to keep things unchanged. This would mean Mauri will once again occupy a place in the midfield alongside Ledesma and Brocchi whilst Foggia adopts the trequartista role to supply the explosive Pandev/Zarate combo. Neither Rocchi or Dabo are ready to return so there will be a reluctancy to alter a winning team.

As for Torino, well their side is full of wounded animals. The frontline is likely to be comprised of Bianchi and Amoruso. Bianchi will make a somewhat unhappy return to Lazio after his loan switch did not result in the permanent move he hoped for. Amoruso will also be looking to prove a point after his “switch” to Lazio was bizarrely halted during the summer. Bianchi has been understandably vociferous prior to the game and you can read the interview he gave here. Torino also have goalkeeper Sereni on their books; another man whose Lazio demise was short of amicable. This all provides an interesting and potentially dangerous dynamic to the game. However, we have a massive advantage due to the fact that both Rosina and Diana, two of their most influential players are out with injury and suspension respectively.

This is definitely a game we can win but I am sure Torino feel the same. I don’t believe either side will settle for a draw so I hope that this will be an open, competitive and fascinating encounter. In saying that, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we are left with a dull tie. To conclude, this will be difficult but winnable. Forza Lazio!