I Know It’s April Fool’s Day But…

By: cathal | April 1st, 2009

…I’m not going to indulge in the joking. I don’t know about elsewhere in the world but there’s a superstition in Ireland where you are cursed for life if you prank someone after noon. I’m not the superstitious type but you avoid these things if you can. Anyway, we may have lost many readers today due to injuries sustained upon hearing the false news that the Derby has been cancelled and that Pandev has signed for Rioma. Apparently a cancellation of the Derby was on the cards but I can tell you now, Goran has not signed for our archrivals. Speaking of Rioma, it’s there day today so they can dream on.

Apologies for the lack of posts in recent days, it seems I have being doing this a lot lately but it’s not because I’m getting bored or neglectful. Quite simply, my internet is still dodgy and to compound my grief, I had the word count for an essay doubled hours before the deadline. Suffice to say I had my reasons. Thanks for the votes in last week’s poll. I asked whether you thought Lotito’s recent ouburst was justified or not and you voted as follows:

Yes – 86%
No – 14%

I am surprised by the margin of victory for the “Yes” camp here. Personally, I voted “No”. I found the timing of his comments baffling to say the least. I know our games of late have been incredibly disappointing but I felt he could have said this earlier in the season. However, I hope his words will fire up the boys.

With hindsight, I can now see his reasons. Rozehnal is said to be contemplating a move elsewhere, which is understandable at his age I guess but we also have Carrizo who has resorted to the downright ridiculous. I think I finally understand what Claudio meant about “respect”. JP has absolutely none for the president, coach, the fans or even his fellow players. I can’t wait to see the back of him if I’m honest but what do you think? Let me know in this week’s poll. Vote here.

It was suggested in the comments box that perhaps we should discuss the players we would like to see at Lazio next season. I will select the five players I would most like to see here and I encourage you to do the same in the comments section. Please be realistic in your selection; we all would kill to have Messi walking around in sky blue but that is highly unlikely. So, within the realms of possibility, here are the fellows I want:

Emiliano Moretti * 27 years-old * Left-Back * Valencia

I want more Italian players at Lazio next season, I’ve frequently expressed that as I reckon it could push us up the table. We may have Kolarov and Radu for the left side of defense but neither is reliable and the latter is arguably best at centre-back. What Emiliano would bring to the team is simple; he is a solid player with a wealth of experience and considering the Spanish side’s financial problems, he could come at a cut-price. All that aside, I’ve also heard he’s a laziale and a bit of additional passion wouldn’t go amiss.

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Daniele Portanova * 30 years-old * Centre-Back * Siena

A die-hard laziale, Portanova has become a fixture for Siena in Serie A. Daniele would bring much needed passion, experience, some extra height for those set pieces and I think he could provide the pressure to improve the likes of Cribari. A risk worth taking in my book but would he accept a role on the bench?

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Juan Sebastian Veron * Very Old * Centre-Midfielder * Estudiantes

A true legend of our colours, Juan Seba would boost that inconsistent midfield and considering he has expressed a desire to return, this is a no-brainer. Yes, he’s 34 years-old and probably lacks the legs to play every game at a high tempo but he has the quality to step in for the injury-prone Matuzalem when required. Snap him up Lotito.

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Sebastian Giovinco * 22 years-old * Attacking-Midfielder * Juventus

We supposedly refused the option to sign him in the past but with Juve being linked to the likes of Ribery and Cassano, perhaps Seba is still attainable. I don’t actually rate the starlet as highly as most but I believe him to be the perfect foil for Foggia and we could do with another little maestro running in and around the opposition. The only obstacle would be his price.

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Sergio Floccari * 27 years-old * Forward * Atalanta

It was a tough decision between Serge and Acquafresca (who we are currently being linked with). I feel the Bergamo hitman would give an extra dimension to our attack. He is a very well-rounder player, experienced and reliable and it looks a certainty La Dea can’t keep him. I reckon it’s time to count the pennies and place an attractive bid on their table.

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Those are my suggestions, now I’m eager to hear yours. Forza Lazio!