Rock That Olimpico

By: cathal | March 1st, 2009

Impressed? I was. Yesterday Lazio took on a determined Bologna side and came up trumps. It was easily our best performance of 2009 but I am half thinking that it may well of been our best performance of the season. I’ll explain why now.

We came out all guns blazing and while many will suggest this was the group we saw demolish sides four or five months ago, I happen to believe this was a very different Lazio. We were motivated, passionate, confident but above all, we hit them with urgency and a quick tempo. The effects of that were apparent in the second half when Matuzalem and the ancient Brocchi had to be taken off with cramps (at least I hope it was cramps that took out Francelino). Foggia terrorised the Bologna defence from the first minute, hustling and bustling into the box and frightening them with his lightning pace and prolific dribbling. Zarate was at his clinical best and Rocchi, when introduced to the field of play demonstrated a willingness to get his name on the scoresheet. The 4-4-2 Rossi employed worked excellently and for the first time in a long time, there was a clear link from midfield to attack. Cribari was supreme in defence making crucial blocks and interceptions while Siviglia strengthens us in set piece scenarios. I would still prefer to see Rozehnal in the team but at least for now, we are keeping clean sheets. Kolarov was solid in the left-back role and combined well with Pasquale and Mauro on the attack and De Silvestri was full of his usual vigour although he did give the ball away on a few occasions. On the whole, the team had a great game and credit where credits due, Delio did well with his selection and formation.

I have to give kudos to Bologna, I actually thought they played really well and they did control the game when we took our foot of the gas. Unfortunately, they encountered a Lazio side on top form and I think the professionalism from us was key. For once, we didn’t succumb to the physical game these relegation strugglers usually give us and mercy me, we managed to score a goal in the final third of the first half. Check the stats, that’s a rarity for us and it is important that we do this more often as that goal before half time can kill the opposition’s morale. Better than that, we got the vital second which put Bologna to bed. There’s still room to improve, of course we can always do better but I can have no complaints with the result; we emerged from a difficult game with three points taken in the best fashion possible. Good omens for Juve on Tuesday.

Highlights, pictures, reaction and (wait for it) player ratings can be found below. The week ahead is going to be a busy time on the blog and there may even be two posts on certain days so I can keep you up to date whilst also previewing and re-capping the games ahead. In addition to this, I have just completed an interview for Michael Di Mascio’s “The North Curve“ where we discussed yesterday’s game and the Coppa Italia semi-final that beckons. As soon as that is available to me, I will post it here on the blog; it’s definitely worth checking out. Forza Lazio!

* * * * *

Reaction:

“It was a great result for us tonight in terms of the work rate we put in and our European hopes. We are always improving and we showed it here, we have to continue and then the results will arrive.”

“Our objective is Europe and I am certain that we can get there if we carry on like this.”

“Zarate has always been great for us and there have never been any doubts over him. Such a player will always make the difference for us at any time.” – Pasquale Foggia (courtesy of goal.com)

- – - – -

“The team rediscovered themselves and I was pleased with the quality of our football.”

“I hope that our journey, which started in the first half of the tournament, will not be interrupted again. As I have said a few months ago, this team can challenge anyone. What’s important is that these imponderable factors will not show up again.”

“We now hope that the worst is behind us and can look forward to our Coppa Italia semifinal tie with Juventus on Tuesday.”

“It’s an important test that can turn around our season, but it’s a shame that Zarate will have to sit out a ban.” – Claudio Lotito

* * * * *

Highlights:

* * * * *

Pictures: http://www.lazialita.com/VisualizzaSezione.asp?IdArticolo=2519

* * * * *

Player Ratings:

I have not looked at any player ratings from other websites prior to the compilation of this. I don’t want bias of any kind.

Muslera – 7.5: Another great display from the arguable numero uno. He reacted to dangerous situations with ease although he did cause my heart to stop with one charge in the first half. A fine stop from an offside yet onside Di Vaio capped off a great evening for him.

Kolarov – 6.5: Solid in both defence in attack. He did well in general but needs to curb that enthusiasm for his left foot. Given time, he can become a tremendous player.

Cribari – 7.5: The star of the show in the backline with some timely interceptions and blocks. Our defence has looked the part since Delio gave him another crack at the whip.

Siviglia – 6.5: Decent performance from the old boy as he bolstered our defending from set pieces. Gave Di Vaio a great chance in the first half after failing to deal with a cross. Thankfully Emilson was on hand to prevent a deficit.

De Silvestri – 6.5: Left a lot to be desired with some poor control and touches in the first half that gave Bologna possession. However, he found some extra gears in the second half when others around him were suffering.

Ledesma: – 6: By no means his best game but he did what he had to do. Was overshadowed by the more creative Matuzalem and was quite lenient on the pressing game. Could and should have done more in defence but perhaps he is still feeling the effects of that injury.

Matuzalem: – 7: He would have got a higher rating if cramp didn’t put an early end to his evening. Becoming ever more critical in the link up with the attack and he worked his backside off for as long as he could last. Credible performance.

Brocchi: – 6: Again, cramp prevented Broc from getting a higher rating. He ran his socks off but was often found in bemusing positions such as an attack where he was a few yards outside Antonioli’s area. His importance was understated but he didn’t add more than gusto to the cause.

Foggia – 9: Deserved a standing ovation with a display that will frighten any side in Italy. He tormented Bologna for ninety minutes and rarely put a foot wrong. He would have looked at home in any world class team with that performance.

Pandev – 5.5: Anonymous in the first half, slightly more visible in the second half until he was subbed. He was a victim of the system as Pasquale and Mauro were on another level but he has done much better this season.

Zarate – 8.5: He did waste a few chances, he did run into nowhere on occasion but he was a saviour yesterday. His two goals were a true reflection of his sheer talent and ability and were it not for Fodge, he would have been a comfortable man of the match.

Subs

Rocchi – 7.5: Full of running when he came on as he looked to get on the scoresheet. Wasteful at times but absolutely pivotal in our second goal. His cameo appearance demonstrated why he should be considered as a starter again.

Dabo – 5.5: Did nothing to warrant preference over Brocchi in the future but he did little wrong at the same time. The usual solid but unspectacular Ousmane.

Manfredini – 7: He surprised me by keeping the ball and running the clock down. Was also a key factor in the build up play to our second goal. Very good for the amount of time he had on the pitch.