I made a rather ambitious prediction to a few friends that Parma would easily make the Top 10 this season with Bari hovering there or thereabouts. Not many took me seriously but we know the damage the former did to us so I really see this game as a case of stopping the latter from mustering up something similar. I know I could sound a bit pessimistic now but under different circumstances, I’d shake hands on getting a point from this game. I don’t see the opposition as relegation fodder and I don’t fancy trying to outplay them in that stadium but since we are all on a bit of a high from midweek, let’s give it a bash.

There has been much speculation about a possible 3-4-3 which looks more like a 5-3-2 and I don’t think it’s a question of if Ballardini switches to it as when. My hunch is that it will be today and with Siviglia missing, the back three automatically becomes Radu, Cribari and Diakite’. Kolarov and Lichtsteiner will provide the width. I think our coach has thought ahead when it comes to the midfield. Baronio is suspended and Mauri and Brocchi were used sparingly against Villarreal so that leads me to believe they will feature today with the suspended-in-Europe, Matuzalem dividing the two in the middle. Zarate will start in attack and although Lalaziosiamonoi have plumped for Rocchi, I am half-thinking Cruz may get the nod. We will have to see on that one. Anyway, here is what I assume we will see:

Lazio (3-5-2): Muslera, Radu, Cribari, Diakite’, Kolarov, Lichtsteiner, Mauri, Matuzalem, Brocchi, Zarate, Rocchi.

As for Bari, I think they have the nucleus of an excellent side. Almiron is beginning to return to his former self and Kutuzov is an ever-present threat nowadays. Luckily for us, Rivas is out of this tie and that should minimise their potency in attack. As for defence, I think they are solid enough there but there are weaknesses we can exploit. In other words, they can give us serious problems if we fail to get our game right but as long as we concentrate on ourselves rather than the opposition, I’m optimistic that we can add a much needed three points to our tally. Forza Lazio!

We may be sitting in that rather familiar area known as mid-table but a two week break should do us the world of good. For the opposition, it couldn’t have come at a worse time; they were up there with the best of them and that momentum has now been broken. That gives us something to be hopeful about, well, that and the fact we did serious damage to them on home soil last season. Inevitably, this is being billed as a Cassano/Zarate rematch but we have another ten men to consider. Namely, Muslera in goal, Kolarov and Lichtsteiner out wide flanking Siviglia and Diakite’ presumably, with fit again, Brocchi lining up alongside the mercurial Baronio and the now ever-present Mauri. Matuzalem as trequartista is probable and on form alone, I expect Rocchi to get the nod ahead of Cruz. We are truly guessing now as this is probably the first time since the Supercoppa where everyone has been fit and eligible and we will see today what Ballardini’s philosophy is at present. Here is the team in full:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Siviglia, Diakite’, Lichtsteiner, Baronio, Mauri, Brocchi, Matuzalem, Zarate, Rocchi.

As for Samp, I only ever worry about three players and I am sure it’s the same for everyone. Palombo truly holds that team together and we need to hope we either break his legs or he has a rare off-day and then in attack, we have to worry about Cassano and Pazzini. I still think they lack consistency as a duo but they are more than capable of killing us too so we will have to be vigilant and mark them out of it as much as possible. That is easier said than done with our defense but I believe we will do a sufficient job. On paper, this looks like draw fodder but I can’t see us losing this one and I genuinely think we could give them a lesson to remember today. We just have to keep focused. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: COPPA ITALIA FINAL!!!
Last Season: Lazio 2-0 Sampdoria (Zarate, 7, Pandev, 71)
Stream: www.myp2p.eu

Our injury woes still exist and as a result, our backline virtually picks itself. Del Nero will step in at left-back yet again with the exhausted Lichtsteiner featuring on the right. Cribari and Radu kept a clean sheet against Levski and as the only fit centre-backs, they will have a colossal task to repeat that feat. As for midfield, I expect us to neutralise Jovetic as much as possible and for that reason, I can’t see Ballardini doing anything other than playing a midfield trio. I assume Baronio will do much of the dirty work and will be flanked by Mauri and Dabo. Matuzalem will probably start in the trequartista role which is slightly harsh on Foggia and Meghni who have been doing well recently while I am fairly confident Rocchi will partner Zarate in attack. It’s a strong but vulnerable line-up and you can see what I expect now in full:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Del Nero, Radu, Cribari, Lichtsteiner, Mauri, Baronio, Dabo, Matuzalem, Zarate, Rocchi.

As for Fiorentina, I hinted at the major issue earlier; we have to take Jovetic out of the game. I think the boys in purple are weakest in the full back positions and in an ideal world, we would play with width and take the game to them but the Montenegrin is just too dangerous and if we can mark him out of it, we cut off much of their forward supply. I believe this is what Davide will look at doing and unlike many others, I think we have a real shot at a win. We annihiliated them at home last season and but for an early sending off, we could have done it a second time so I see absolutely no reason why we can’t emerge from this encounter with at least a point. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio (Gilardino, 90)
Last Season: As Above.
Stream: www.myp2p.eu

Our injury woes are crippling us and thus the options for the backline are slim to none. Muslera will keep guard with Cribari and Diakite’ likely to start in front of him with Siviglia out injured. Radu will step in for Kolarov who is serving a two-match ban for his sending off on Wednesday. Lichtsteiner is forced to play at right-back once again with no fit back-ups at our disposal. Should another injury occur, Del Nero will have to be deployed at left-back. Brocchi is still missing so this week’s midfield trio should contain Dabo, Mauri and the much maligned, Baronio. Foggia will probably start as trequartista considering his impressive showings of late. Zarate and Cruz are likely to lead the line in attack once again, however, Rocchi should be fit enough to play his part somewhere in the game. A strong but rather fatigued line-up. This is how it looks in full:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Radu, Cribari, Diakite’, Lichtsteiner, Baronio, Mauri, Dabo, Foggia, Zarate, Cruz.

As for Palermo, we all know how dangerous they can be on their day and I am sure they will come to Rome looking for at least a point. Their defence is solid, their midfield is compact with tasty players such as our transfer target, Simplicio providing the attacking link and their attack is feisty with the talented Miccoli and the in-form Budan not to mention to excellent Cavani on the bench. I think we have the quality to beat them and maybe our fitness levels won’t be much of a factor today with the boys in pink playing a number of difficult matches in a row. I fancy our chances, I just hope we can deliver. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Palermo 2-0 Lazio (Miccoli, 6, Migliaccio, 87)
Last Season: Lazio 1-0 Palermo (Rocchi, 66)
Stream: http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch3.html

With Rocchi, Brocchi and Scaloni currently attracting the attention of our medical staff, things only worsened when Cruz and Dabo added their names to the doctor’s waiting list. As far as I am aware, the latter is out while Julio will probably be fit enough to warm the bench for as long as we can leave him there. We probably have no choice but to play a string of left-sided attackers and assuming those roles should be Zarate and two of our bright sparks from midweek in Meghni and Foggia although I wouldn’t be surprised if Inzaghi is thrown in there as a curveball. Matuzalem, Mauri and Baronio should be the midfield trio while Cribari looks set to lose his place to Siviglia. The rest of the defence remains unchanged form the team that faced Red Bull on Thursday and Muslera will regain his spot between the sticks. Not the ideal line-up for a more than tricky away tie but still a team who can pick up something from the game. Here is the full line-up I expect:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Siviglia, Diakite’, Lichtsteiner, Mauri, Baronio, Matuzalem, Meghni, Foggia, Zarate.

As for Catania, they may look in trouble but usually they are galvanised by home support. We all know the damage Mascara can do already and it would be wise to keep him at bay but Japanese sensation, Morimoto is also one to watch. Their defence can be difficult to break down at times and Biagianti in midfield is also a tidy player. On paper, they look weak and they also have a few good players missing. This is something we need to take advantage of tomorrow. It’s a big ask but if we keep our wits about us and remain disciplined, I’m sure we can take a point and with a bit of luck, maybe even the win. Forza Lazio!

Previous Season: Catania 1-0 Lazio (Paolucci, 24)
Last Encounter: As above.
Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/Gio46

At this stage of the competition, it would be foolish to underestimate any opponent but for me, this should be the easiest game we have in the group. We are at home and having seen a few of Red Bull’s Champions League qualifiers, we have nothing to fear. They are a good side on paper and have dangerous players all over the pitch but as a team, I don’t think they function too well. However, it is early days in the season and we need to keep on our toes; our side lacked potency at the weekend and this is something we will have to find if we want three points tonight.

After a hard-fought game at the weekend and with Catania looming on Sunday, Ballardini has admitted that he will rotate his squad slightly. Bizzarri will come in with Muslera being handed a rest while Kolarov is suspended with Radu in line for a start. The fresher Cribari could come in for Siviglia with Lichtsteiner assuming his familiar position on the right of our defense. Foggia is likely to be benched in favour of experimenting with Meghni while Dabo, Baronio and Matuzalem should form a trio in the centre of the park. Zarate is back and is likely to partner Cruz in the forward line. All in all, a strong squad and a team that is more than capable of picking up a good result.

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Bizzarri, Radu, Cribari, Diakite’, Lichtsteiner, Dabo, Baronio, Matuzalem, Meghni, Zarate, Cruz.

As for Salzburg, they have some very good players who we will need to keep quiet. Their big centre forward, Janko has a habit of finding the net and the likes of Pokrivac and Augustinussen in midfield do add some quality to the side. Having players such as Opdam in defense also shows that they can be resolute, could be difficult to break down and may just be able to hit us on the counter. In other words, we need to show them the respect they deserve but keep in mind that the game is there to be won and we can’t be too nice about it. Forza Lazio!

Stream: TBA

As far as I could see, Zarate was never in doubt. He picked up a knock but there were varying reports on what his injury actually was. This morning, he was declared fit to play having passed a medical but the latest news is that he will not feature. Confused? So am I. This is a blow but it appears Ballardini doesn’t want to take the risk. I guess that is understandable but this is Juventus and if you want to win against the big guns, risks are necessary. However, with so many injury doubts, I guess you have to calculate the risk and pick and choose accordingly.

Siviglia and Diakite’ may just be fit enough to start tomorrow but if they fail to make it, we have the successful duo from Zaragoza, Radu and Stendardo waiting for their chance. Cribari is suspended. In midfield, Baronio has been a doubt but it looks like he will play with Mauri and Dabo flanking him. Brocchi is injured. Matuzalem should be the man linking midfield to attack while Foggia partners Cruz in attack. Rocchi is out I believe. This is the formation I expect, the truth is, nobody really knows what is happening but I’m going to stick my neck on the line with this team:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Siviglia, Diakite’, Lichtsteiner, Mauri, Baronio, Dabo, Matuzalem, Foggia, Cruz.

As for Juve, everybody is talking about one man and one man only; Diego. The strategy from our perspective is similar to the one we deployed against Inter; stay compact, take a few gambles here and there and hit them on the counter with pace. With an under par line-up, this will be difficult and even when you take the Brazilian out of the equation, we have a quality defence to break down and top strikers to stop. As Davide said in his press conference, that is easier said than done but I’m confident we can grab something from the game. They will have many tired internationals and you hope that will play into our hands as the match wears on. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Juventus 2-0 Lazio (Iaquinta, 3, 59)
Last Season: Lazio 1-1 Juventus (Ledesma, 25, Mellberg, 30)
Stream: http://www.atdhe.net/9156/watch-lazio-vs-juventus

Skill and luck could be the two attributes we lack due to the fact that our defense have probably spent more time with the team doctors than they have on the pitch this week. Cribari appears to be patched up and ready to go but Siviglia will miss out. There are some concerns over the fitness of Diakite’ too and thus Radu is expected to deputise in the centre which automatically dictates that Kolarov starts on the left with Lichtsteiner on the right. Brocchi has also been ruled out which will more than likely result in a midfield combo consisting of Baronio, Dabo and Mauri. Matuzalem should get the nod ahead of Foggia in the trequartista role and it appears that Cruz is preferred to Rocchi upfront. Choosing between the two will always be a touch decision but after his midweek antics, I expected Tommaso. It will be interesting to see who the coach actually opts for. This is the line-up I predict:

Lazio (4-4-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Radu, Cribari, Lichtsteiner, Baronio, Dabo, Mauri, Matuzalem, Zarate, Cruz.

As for Chievo, they look very thin and weak on paper but the obvious dangerman is Pellissier. He has a tendency to wreak havoc if given the opportunity and the key to the game will be keeping him quiet. I don’t think they will concede too many either so I would imagine Ballardini will look to hit them on the counter with pace in a similar style to our Supercoppa triumph. I’m optimistic that we will get something out of the game and fingers crossed we can do enough to secure the crucial three points. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Lazio 0-3 Chievo (Bogdani, 27, Pellissier, 28, 84)
Last Season: Chievo 1-2 Lazio (Pellissier, 11, Pandev, 14, Mantovani og., 82)
Stream: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=47063&part=sports

Ballardini has difficult choices to make; not because he needs to be particularly cautious or wary of the Swedes but he does need to field a team strong enough to progress comfortably. Many media outlets believe Zarate will be rested with a partnership between Rocchi and Cruz being tested for the first time. Kolarov may also be rested but other than that, I don’t expect anyone else to be left on the bench.

There’s not much to say about the game so…Forza Lazio!

It has been a case of so far, so good for Ballardini and his boys. Victory against Elfsborg in the Europa League was preceded by a morale boosting Supercoppa triumph over Inter in Beijing. Despite our success, the jury is still out and the team from Bergamo will provide a stern and somewhat welcome test. Nobody quite knows how our coach will approach this game. With a three goal margin over the Swedes, I personally believe he will rest a few guys midweek and pick a reasonably strong side tomorrow.

Two players I expect to see on the bench tomorrow are Cruz and Matuzalem. Julio has only had three weeks of training and as a result, he lacks match fitness. He looked spent by the end of Thursday night and I can’t see him starting. Matuzalem was pulled off in the Elfsborg game due to cramp and he has admitted that he needs to improve his fitness. I think it would be strange if he featured tomorrow but the majority of the media disagree with me. Many journalists believe the Brazilian will play and that Foggia will partner Rocchi in attack instead of Zarate. In midfield, I assume Mauri and Brocchi will retain their places but with Baronio also rusty in comparison to many others, I expect Dabo to come in against his old employers. I don’t think Davide will tinker too much with the backline but if there is to be a change, I would expect Diakite’ to take the place of Cribari. This is the line-up I think we will see:

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Siviglia, Diakite’, Lichtsteiner, Dabo, Mauri, Brocchi, Foggia, Zarate, Rocchi.

As for Atalanta, they are very much an unknown entity. Like us, they have a brand new coach in ex-laziale, Angelo Gregucci and it remains to be seen if he can take over where Del Neri left off. They managed to sign two of our transfer targets this summer; Paraguayan, Barreto who beefs up their midfield and Acquafresca who needs no introduction I’m sure. As good as Roberto is, I am not convinced he can fill Floccari’s boots just yet and I really feel it will take them a while to get going this season. They only just snuck by Cesena in the cup and that could play on their minds a little. Nevertheless, we can’t afford to underestimate them as they are solid and have quality in all areas of the field. I just hope we can put on a good display and go to Verona next week with three points to our name; it will be tough but it’s certainly doable. Forza Lazio!

Previous Encounter: Lazio 0-1 Atalanta (Talamonti, 24)
Last Season: As above.
Stream: www.atdhe.net