Back To Black

By: cathal | March 15th, 2009

The clouds above Rome get darker and darker. I didn’t see today’s game and frankly I don’t mind. As a result, I’m not going to analyse the game but I don’t actually need to, the scoreline speaks volumes and if you watched it, I’m sure your face says it all right now. Not a day to remember.

When you lose 3-0 to the likes of Chievo, you can’t take many positives from the game. Those of us who follow Serie A closely will know that this was a trickier tie than it seemed on paper. Ever since their very first promotion, the minnows have gained a habit of surprising teams and perhaps more importantly, a habit of surprising us. Not only that, but I don’t like playing a team with their backs against the wall and that’s what happened today. We were on the receiving ending of a frantic push from a wounded animal and we paid the price. We were the ones left yelping.

I’m not doing player ratings (I can’t and nobody else wants to, understandably). However, the general consensus I am getting is that Foggia was the only one with heart, Muslera is blameless and Rocchi did slightly more than the rest when introduced. It’s not surprising to see us succumb to strange defeats like this anymore, it happens to us regularly but it is something that happens to all sides. Perhaps the immaturity of this squad, the predictability of Rossi’s formations and our levels of fatigue are all factors. Who knows. I question whether Einstein could work this mystery out. Either way, it is only one game and as I’ve said countless times this season, we have to forget it, move on and ensure it doesn’t ruin our season.

There are greater concerns though. Cribari has declared that he will be leaving Lazio in the summer. That’s a massive announcement. The guy has been a revelation of late, he is probably our best defender, he makes one mistake in one game and Delio and the fans turn on him. That is not excusable and if they are the margins between success and failure for us then we have problems on a colossal scale and I can’t blame Emilson for such comments. Remember, this is a player who expressed his love for our club on countless occasions, had a desire to be captain and played in a Champions League qualifier with a special mask ten days after he shattered his cheekbone and was expected to miss two months. When Emilson of all people wants to leave, there is a bigger storm going down. Mark my words.

Let’s just forget about this one, move on, keep the optimism and everything will be fine…I hope. Forza Lazio!

* * * * *

Reaction:
“This is our third black out of the season. These things can happen but we must go to Catania and get three points.” – Tommaso Rocchi

- – - – -

“Today we did not manage to find neither the right move nor the right movements against Chievo.”

“Some people spoke of the Champions League prior to the game but our objective remains the UEFA Cup.” – Christian Brocchi

* * * * *

Highlights: