Cagliari – Lazio

By: cathal | August 30th, 2008

So here we are. The new season is upon us and already expectations are high after a busy mercato and a telling pre-season. We begin our Serie A campaign tomorrow with a trip to the Stadia Sant’Elia to face Cagliari. The home side will be looking for an opening day victory to get their relegation battle off to a good start. Lazio, who have UEFA Cup aspirations, will be hoping to overturn last seasons poor away form. Suffice to say, it should be a good game.

Cagliari are a side I have a lot of admiration for, they are a passionate bunch and the club always produces a plucky squad. It will not be an easy game for us; in the same tie last season, we succumbed to a rather disappointing 1-0 loss. However, we have improved greatly since then and I am very hopeful. We have recalled one of their star men from last season, Pasquale Foggia, who may play a pivotal role in the team tomorrow. In addition, an opening tie with Cagliari bodes well for us. The last time we faced them on the opening day was in the 1999-2000 season and we all know what happened that year. So the omens are good.

There are a few key factors that will decide the outcome tomorrow. Firstly, our own team selection is critical. Rossi has selected a twenty man squad to take to the game which does not include the likes of Stendardo and Inzaghi, who could well be integrated into the squad at a later date. The media are speculating that Delio may now opt for a 4-4-2 formation in the wake of Rocchi and Dabo’s injuries. If this is the case, fan favourite, Manfredini may be given a starting berth, God forbid. What does seem certain is that Zarate will occupy a spot on the bench as Rossi prefers Pandev and Makinwa to the unfit Argentine. The formation decision will also decide if our new hero, Brocchi will be given a debut from the off. Whatever the formation, Lazio will need to make sure to keep Acquafresca at bay as he is clearly their dangerman. Secondly, we need to address the problems we had on our travels last season where we only managed two wins; one against bottom club Livorno and the other came near the seasons end against an uninspired Genoa. A win tomorrow would help put our minds at ease. Lastly, I hope Delio has kept the dressing room drama to a minimum. I think leaving out those who have not trained with the main squad is a sensible decision. Let’s focus on the job ahead and sort out those issues when the mission is accomplished.

Prediction? It will be close, of that I have no doubt. Our friends over at the Cagliari Offside are predicting a score draw and they could well be right. However, I am as optimistic as they are frightened and therefore I predict we sneak the victory. Enjoy the game folks and remember, Forza Lazio!