Reggina – Lazio

By: cathal | January 10th, 2009

Lazio will travel to Reggio Calabria tomorrow to take on a Reggina side seemingly destined for the drop. Having had a long winter break, both sets of fans will be expecting a high level of performance.

For many, this game on paper is an easy three points for us. Reggina are second only to Chievo at the bottom and have conceded more goals than any other side in the league. We, on the other hand, have a devastating attack which should be rejuvenated by the two or so weeks rest they’ve had. You can see why this could be considered an easy tie. Nevertheless, Reggina have a habit of making miraculous escapes from the relegation zone and perhaps tomorrow could be their day to do something similar this season. Personally, I don’t think its going be a walk in the park for us.

If I were manager, I would be inclined to hold tight in defence, try and control the game and pick a few goals on the counter. However, Delio looks set to go with a very attacking line up. Za-Pa-Ro is expected to make its comeback and Rossi has decided to experiment with a midfield consisting of Ledesma, Brocchi and the ~~ever-fit~~ never-fit Meghni. Diakite will get his chance at the back alongside Rozehnal and Radu and De Silvestri will play in the fullback roles as Lichtsteiner is still injured. It’s a strong formation, if slightly suspect and fragile.

No offence to Reggina or their fans, but they don’t have much going for them this season. In fact, I’m quite surprised they’re not rockbottom. In saying that, one of our old boys, Corradi has been grabbing quite a few goals for them this season and with him being expected to start, I am praying he will leave his shooting boots at home. I rated the guy very highly in his Lazio days and he is more than capable of poaching one or two on a good day.

All in all I’m not too worried. There is the potential for us to put quite a few goals past them tomorrow but we will have to be careful, they will be motivated and gunning for us. However, if we remain focused and we fire on all cylinders, I’m confident we will be celebrating a win. Forza Lazio!