Società Sportiva Lazio

[Messinterista]

Serie A Week 28 - 6/3/11 (19.45 UK)
Lazio 2 - 0 Palermo
Sculli 7, 17 (L)
Stadio Olimpico

Serse Cosmi's Palermo debut was a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Lazio, as Giuseppe Sculli struck twice early on to recapture fourth.

The 7-0 home defeat to Udinese proved the final straw for Delio Rossi, so Cosmi made big changes, including a 3-5-2 system. Fabrizio Miccoli, Mauricio Pinilla and suspended Arman Bacinovic and Matteo Darmian were unavailable.

Lazio needed a victory to take fourth place back from Udinese, but missed Andre Dias, Mobido Diakitè, Stefano Mauri, Cristian Brocchi and Tommaso Rocchi. Nando Muslera returned after two games out with a sprained ankle.

Giuseppe Sculli forced a tough save out of Salvatore Sirigu within two minutes, but was flagged offside in a controversial decision.

It was only a warning, as soon after Sculli did spring the offside trap through the middle from Cristian Ledesma's pass and drew out Sirigu to roll a low drive past the goalkeeper.

Federico Balzaretti's cross flashed all the way past the six-yard box with nobody able to tap in, as it went beyond Giulio Migliaccio.

President Maurizio Zamparini complained that Sirigu "won't come off his line, not even if you kick him up the backside." He must be regretting that now, as Sirigu rushed off his line, floundered at a chipped Ledesma pass over the top and allowed Sculli to nod into the empty net. Replays suggest he was slightly offside.

Abel Hernandez attempted an audacious back-heel flick from Balzaretti's pull-back, but it dribbled just wide of the far post.

There was chaos in the Biancocelesti box, as Ledesma performed a crucial tackle to stop Javier Pastore going clear, then Muslera spilled it to spark some rather desperate defending. From the corner, a Pastore header was fingertipped on to the bar by Muslera from close range.

Sirigu had his palms stung by a fierce Hernanes snapshot from distance. A free kick was cleared to the edge of the box, where Antonio Nocerino's deflected volley found Muslera's arms.

Fabio Liverani was set to leave Palermo only last week, but the arrival of his old Perugia mentor Cosmi saw him introduced for Andelkovic in the second half, moving Migliaccio into the defensive role he has adopted a few times this season.

Ilicic turned his marker only to hit a weak finish at Muslera, while Sculli went off injured. The Sicilians dominated possession, but struggled to create genuine scoring opportunities. Cesare Bovo's free kick whipped past everyone in the six-yard box, as did Pastore's fine assist.

Former Palermo man Mark Bresciano was tripped on the very edge of the box, allowing Ledesma's free kick to be palmed out from under the bar.

Moments later, Guglielmo Stendardo peeled away from a defender for a diving header inches wide from yet another Ledesma assist.

Lazio: Muslera; Scaloni, Stendardo, Biava, Radu; Ledesma, Matuzalem (Garrido 90); Sculli (Gonzalez 51), Hernanes (Bresciano 76), Zarate; Floccari

Palermo: Sirigu; Munoz, Bovo, Andelkovic (Liverani 46); Cassani, Nocerino, Migliaccio, Ilicic (Acquah 76), Balzaretti; Hernandez (Paolucci 68), Pastore

Ref: Gava

Source:

[Messinterista]

Ledesma reveals Lazio secrets

Cristian Ledesma has tried to explain the secrets behind Lazio's success this season following Sunday's 2-0 win against Palermo.

The Aquile are still firmly entrenched in fourth place and show no sign of relinquishing their hold on the final Champions League spot.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Ledesma said: “Compactness was one of the secrets of our earlier games this season. Unfortunately we lost it for a little while, but now we have got it back again.

“It's a strange season. The derby is a game apart. Recent results in the derby will not count. We have always tried to do well against Roma. We will do so again on Sunday.

“Roma were built to go as far as possible in the table. We have to improve. We are up there and it's really important in this moment.

“We are a lot calmer with this victory.”

Source: http://football-italia.net/mar07e.html

[RomaShield27]

Ledesma is a fookin fag. Lazio are fookin fags. This thread is for fookin fags. How did this thread even reach 10 pages, anyway?

[juventino_italiano]

[RomaShield27]

No, I hope we get an influx of dirty lazie 'fans' so we can abuse the shit outta them.

[juventino_italiano]

[RomaShield27]

Because I mean like, it gets tiring abusing dirty cheating Rubentus fans, you know.

[juventino_italiano]

[Messinterista]

Im trying to keep it going just to annoy the Roma fans I like Lazio...

[cassano7]

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[Messinterista]

Roma 2 - 0 Lazio
Totti 70, pen 92 (R)
Stadio Olimpico

Francesco Totti's brace gave Roma a fifth consecutive derby victory, but Lazio lost their heads and ended the game with nine men.

The Derby della Capitale was about local pride and a head-to-head battle for Champions League qualification. Roma needed a boost after their midweek exit at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk, though Vincenzo Montella was still unbeaten in Serie A since replacing Claudio Ranieri.

Matteo Brighi and Aleandro Rosi were suspended, joining Marco Cassetti in the stands. Francesco Totti was dropped in Donetsk, but was back in the starting XI for the Stracittadina. Lazio were in fourth place and aiming to put the final nail in the coffin of their rivals. Andre Dias failed a fitness test along with Tommaso Rocchi and Mobido Diakite'.

Lazio had lost their last four derby games on the trot and were without a victory as the 'away' team since 1997, while Edy Reja had never beaten Roma in his entire career.

Roma had the first chance after four minutes, as a David Pizarro screamer from 25 metres cracked against the crossbar with Nando Muslera well beaten.

A Hernanes angled drive flashed across the face of goal to skim the far post. Roma really should've scored on 40 minutes when Totti sprung the offside trap, but he opted to send Menez down the right and the pull-back found Juan from seven yards, but his finish was charged down by Cristian Ledesma sliding in.

Menez spun round from a corner to fire just wide of the near post, but was replaced by Rodrigo Taddei. Hernanes and Mauro Zarate blasted over the bar from distance, then Francelino Matuzalem's curling free kick was inches past the far top corner from a tight angle.

Floccari went extremely close by nodding the Hernanes cross off target and probably should've done better from that position.

Roma broke the deadlock with Totti. Pizarro touched on a free kick for the captain, who unleashed a blockbuster that arrowed low and hard, but seemed to squirm through Muslera's arms as it swerved at the last second. On the bench, Montella remained utterly impassive at the goal.

Lazio almost put into their own net moments later, as Ledesma's scuffed clearance had to be tipped over the bar. From the corner, Nicolas Burdisso nodded off target.

Totti fell during a challenge and Matuzalem stamped on his shoulder, probably by accident. The tension exploded in the final minutes and Stefan Radu saw red for going head-to-head with Fabio Simplicio right in front of the linesman, as he was complaining about time-wasting.

As soon as play resumed, there was another scuffle between Lazio players hauling Totti off the floor.

In stoppages, Simplicio tried to get between the centre-backs at full stretch, shoved by Giuseppe Biava for a penalty. Totti took the spot-kick duties, but before he could take it, Cristian Ledesma was sent off for dissent. Er Pupone did complete his brace by blasting the penalty into the roof of the net and ran under the Curva Sud to celebrate.

Roma: Doni; N Burdisso, Mexes, Juan, Riise; Pizarro, De Rossi; Menez (Taddei 57), Perrotta, Vucinic (Simplicio 83); Totti (Castellini 94)

Lazio: Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Stendardo, Biava, Radu; Ledesma, Matuzalem; Sculli, Hernanes (Kozak 76), Zarate (Mauri 76); Floccari (Brocchi 83)

Ref: Tagliavento
Sent off: Radu 87 (L), Ledesma 91 (L)

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/rom-laz.html

[Messinterista]

Lazio 1 - 0 Cesena
Zarate 2 (L)
Stadio Olimpico

Mauro Zarate ended his three-month goal drought with a strike after 88 seconds, enough for Lazio to defeat Cesena 1-0.

The Biancocelesti were still smarting from the derby defeat that lost them fourth place, but that game also left them with bans for Cristian Ledesma, Stefan Radu and Stephan Lichsteiner. The injury list included Tommaso Rocchi, Sergio Floccari and Mobido Diakite', so the defence was completely revamped. Cesena missed Alessandro Rosina, Igor Budan, Paolo Sammarco and the suspended Emanuele Giaccherini.

It took precisely 88 seconds for Lazio to take the lead at the Olimpico. Mauro Zarate hadn't scored yet in 2011, but was in the right place at the right time, as Giuseppe Sculli got to the by-line and pulled back for the Argentine to toe-poke in from four yards.

Erjon Bogdani had penalty appeals for a tackle from behind by Andre Dias. Francelino Matuzalem was booked for stopping a dangerous Davide Santon counter-attack and will be suspended for the next showdown with Napoli.

A timid long-range Hernanes effort was straight at Francesco Antonioli, while Giuseppe Biava at full stretch couldn't quite get his head to a Javier Garrido free kick.

It was very nearly 2-0 on the stroke of half-time, as Hernanes knocked down a free kick for Biava's header, forcing a great reaction save from point-blank range out of Antonioli.

Moments later, Sculli again got to the by-line, but this time Zarate prodded wide of the near post.

Cesena were completely ineffective and changed to a 3-5-2 in the second half.

Lazio thought they had got a second within two minutes of the restart as a Zarate cross found Sculli's header at the back post, but Antonioli performed a crucial one-handed save to slap it on to the upright from point-blank range.

A weak Marco Parolo effort was smothered by Nando Muslera, while Javier Garrido went studs-up on Ceccarelli in the penalty area on a 50-50 ball and was fortunate to get the benefit of the doubt.

Cristian Brocchi wasn't even called up for this game, but recovered from a fever at the last minute and was thrown on for the final half-hour.

Zarate surged past his marker to reach the by-line and pulled back, but Mauri scuffed it, both ruining his chance of scoring and that of teammate Gonzalez right behind him.

Sculli then pulled back for the unmarked Gonzalez coming from midfield, but his shot was charged down in the box by Max Pellegrino. Muslera smothered a Parolo snapshot and soon after the Fabio Caserta strike. Cesena gave 19-year-old Finnish striker Roope Riski his Serie A debut.

Matuzalem was caught on camera reaching out to elbow Luis Jimenez, but was not spotted by the referee. This incident could well go to the Disciplinary Commission using video evidence.

Muslera rushed off his line to close down at Riski's feet and accidentally got a shinpad in the head. Davide Santon flashed a shot across the face of goal, while at the other end Zarate went on a solo run that ended with his curler just past the far top corner of the net.

Lazio: Muslera; Scaloni (Stendardo 77), Biava, Dias, Garrido; Gonzalez, Matuzalem, Mauri (Kozak 86); Hernanes (Brocchi 60); Zarate, Sculli

Cesena: Antonioli; Santon, Pellegrino, Von Bergen, Lauro (Benalouane 68); Caserta (Riski 69), Colucci, Parolo; Jimenez; Bogdani (Ceccarelli 46), Malonga

Ref: Giannoccaro

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/laz-ces.html

[DavidP]

Why haven't any goat fuckers been posting, lately? It's been a trend, these past 2 years (not posting after the derbies), I would imagine. Must be a coincidence.

[Messinterista]

Do you know any. Care to invite 'em if you do?

[RomaShield27]

We don't have any laziale fans around these parts. And we don't really want them, either. In fact, do they exist at all, except for the farms on the outskirts of Rome?

[Messinterista]

Blog: The fishy tale of Stefano Mauri

Antonio Labbate writes on Stefano Mauri, the Lazio and Italy player who has turned around his career with the aid of a carp tattoo

Ask Stefano Mauri about the secret to his success and don’t be surprised if he rolls up his trouser leg and shows you his right calf. “When I started to play football in Serie B at Modena, I was almost always on the bench,” he says. “It was at that time that I got this tattoo of a carp which, according to the Japanese, signifies never giving up.”

It’s a mantra which has served Mauri well. A little over a year ago he was regularly singled out for abuse by the demanding Lazio public. Now, with the outfit hovering around the top four, he’s arguably been their most influential player over the present campaign and today finds himself in the stable international plans of Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli.

“It’s not easy to cope with when a section of the stadium attacks you,” Mauri notes. “At the beginning it was difficult and I took it badly, but as time goes on it becomes a stimulus to demonstrate to everybody that the whistles and jeers were not merited. It was a tool to get the fans back on my side and show them who the real me was.”

Mauri accepts that he deserved some of the insults aimed at him, but not all of them. Struggling to make a difference for a side who were under-performing as a whole, disgruntled supporters not only attacked him for his meagre displays, but raised doubts over his professionalism as a result of his apparent love for the nightlife.

“The truth is that I had not done that scene for years,” the versatile midfielder insists. “I was seen in nightclubs in the past and some people decided that my form was a consequence of that. What people don’t talk about is the fact that I have been with my girlfriend for three years now and going to discos is part of my past life. The trouble is that people still ‘see’ me in these places even when I am at home.”

Fortunately for Lazio, Mauri and President Claudio Lotito – who refused to sell him to Sampdoria – have proved the doubters wrong. While summer signing Hernanes may steal the headlines, Mauri has arguably been more reliable than the Brazilian this term and possibly even more decisive. In the 21 League games Mauri has started, the Biancocelesti have racked up 42 points.

In terms of ability, Mauri has proved in the past that he’s more than a decent player during spells at Brescia, where he appeared alongside Roberto Baggio, and at Udinese during Luciano Spalletti’s last campaign which ended with Champions League qualification. What the Monza-native has struggled with over the years though is consistency.

He said as much last autumn when he was recalled to the national set-up by Prandelli three years after his last appearance in the Giro Azzurro. “The tough part now will be to remain in the squad,” he admitted back in late 2010.

To date, Mauri has played in four of Italy’s seven games under Cesare. He’s started in all four of those ties and there is a good chance that he’ll be on the teamsheet this Friday when the Azzurri face a tricky test in Slovenia. That’s not bad for a player who isn’t blessed with ultra-talent or an untouchable reputation.

Mauri, whose father initially wanted him to become a professional swimmer, is also the personification of where good club form will get you. While Prandelli may have been questioned by some this week for leaving out the likes of Milan’s Ignazio Abate and Paolo Cannavaro of Napoli, the Lazio employee is proof that the CT’s Azzurri doors are always open. “It seems normal to me that Stefano is here,” the former Fiorentina boss said. “I follow the indications of the championship.”

Mauri, the winner of 10 caps, knows as much. He’s openly declared that his objectives for the future are two-fold – to finish the season ahead of city rivals Roma and make sure he’s a part of Italy’s Euro 2012 campaign.

“Getting to and playing in the Finals is my target,” he adds. “I reached the national squad and then lost it, I returned to the fold but I was unable to keep my place again. Now, at my age, my battle is to keep playing well with consistency.”

Whether he achieves that or not is something only time will tell, but you can be sure that Mauri will follow his dream. This is, after all, a man who just won’t give up.

Source: http://football-italia.net/blogs/al184.html

[Messinterista]

Lazio eye Slovenian Novakovic

Lazio are said to be looking towards Slovenia for their new striker next season in the form of Milivoje Novakovic.
The Biancocelesti were going to bring in another forward during the January transfer window and could still sell Mauro Zarate in the summer.

It’s reported the Biancocelesti had scouts in the stands during last night’s Euro 2012 qualifier between Slovenia and Italy.

They were watching 31-year-old striker Novakovic, whose contract with Cologne expires in June 2012.

He is thought to be worth around €3m and this term scored 11 goals in 21 games.

Source: http://football-italia.net/mar26w.html

[Messinterista]

Napoli 4 - 3 Lazio
Mauri 29 (L), Dias 58 (L), Dossena 60 (N), Cavani 62, pen 81, 88 (N), Aronica og 68 (L)
Stadio San Paolo

Napoli's Scudetto ambitions are very much alive after fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Lazio 4-3 with an Edinson Cavani hat-trick! The Partenopei leapfrog Inter to go into second place at the end of a hugely dramatic encounter.

This lunch-time kick-off was a huge affair, as following Inter's 3-0 defeat to Milan last night, the Vesuviani had the opportunity to go into second place. Lazio also needed the points in the Champions League qualification battle and were unbeaten here since 1996.

Edy Reja was given a very warm welcome by the fans in his first return to the San Paolo since he was fired in 2009, having taken them from Serie C1 to the top flight. He had to do without the suspended Cristian Ledesma, Francelino Matuzalem and Stefan Radu, plus Tommaso Rocchi, Mourad Meghni and Mobido Diakite' injured, but surprisingly dropped Hernanes to the bench. Napoli only missed Juan Zuniga and Gianluca Grava.

In the opening minutes the home side had a lot of joy down the left with Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, plus the Argentine's shot deflected out for a corner.

Lazio were dangerous on the counter, but Salvatore Aronica's sliding tackle managed to stop Mauro Zarate in the box.

Lavezzi's through ball released Hamsik down the right and his rising angled drive stung Nando Muslera's palms at the near post. Hugo Campagnaro's shot from the edge of the box was deflected just over off Edinson Cavani.

For all the pressure, it was Lazio who took a shock lead at the San Paolo. Stefano Mauri went on a wonderful solo run, skipping between three Napoli shirts to prod a snooker shot with the outside of his left foot. The ball rolled precisely across Morgan De Sanctis into the far bottom corner. It was the first goal the Partenopei had conceded here for four hours.

It was so nearly 2-0, as Mauri spring the offside trap with a smart run through the middle on Cristian Brocchi's pass, but placed the angled drive inches wide with his right foot.

Lazio pounced on another defensive error, but Giuseppe Sculli wasted it by passing to an offside teammate. Andrea Dossena's header was over from a Lavezzi cross, then another Pocho ball across the face of goal just failed to find Hamsik for a tap-in.

Muslera had to smother at Cavani's feet following a moment of uncertainty before the break.

After the break Muslera captured a Hassan Yebda long-range attempt, but Lazio once again capitalised on one of their few chances.

A Javier Garrido free kick was whipped in for Andre Dias at full stretch to volley in from seven yards, getting in between defenders.

Napoli got themselves back into the game moments later. It was another dead ball situation, this time Lavezzi's free kick flicked on to the back post for Andrea Dossena's header.

The game suddenly turned on a sixpence and within four minutes of going 2-0 down, Napoli had drawn level! Another free kick was knocked to the by-line where Hamsik nodded it back into the six-yard box for a totally unmarked Cavani!

It was almost 3-2 at the 66th minute when substitute Giuseppe Mascara burst down the left, but Muslera parried his angled drive.

At the other end absolute chaos, as Brocchi's snapshot smacked against the underside of the crossbar and off the ground, but replays suggest the ball crossed the line.

It was only a warning, though, as Zarate got down the left for a weak angled drive that De Sanctis palmed away, but it was into the path of Salvatore Aronica who incredibly prodded it into his own net! It was now 3-2 for Lazio in a chaotic encounter.

Walter Mazzarri was so furious at this error that he tore up his notes on the touchline.

Cavani's chest and volley was deflected into the path of Mascara, who came sliding in to scrape a coat of paint off the upright.

Giuseppe Biava then pushed Cavani from behind as he was about to shoot from eight yards, prompting a penalty and red card for denying the clear scoring opportunity. Cavani got back up to take the spot-kick, sending Muslera the wrong way for 3-3.

It was now a siege and Napoli completed their amazing comeback from 2-0 down to 4-3 up at the 88th minute! Cavani gathered down the middle and chipped the on-rushing goalkeeper with the outside of his right boot. Muslera got a hand to it, but could not stop the ball landing in the net!

Tempers frayed in stoppages when Giuseppe Sculli tried to go head-to-head with Cavani, sparking a scuffle. Both were booked and Cavani will be suspended against Bologna. Some thought Sculli had already been carded, but that was not the case.

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Pazienza (Mascara 58), Yebda (C Lucarelli 85), Dossena (Gargano 77); Hamsik; Cavani, Lavezzi

Lazio: Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Biava, Dias, Garrido; Brocchi, Bresciano (Stendardo 82); Gonzalez, Mauri, Sculli; Zarate (Floccari 83)

Ref: Banti
Sent off: Biava 80 (L)

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/nap-laz.html

[Messinterista]

Serie A Week 33 - 17/4/11 (14.00 UK)
Catania - Lazio
Stadio Massimino

Catania welcome Champions League chasing Lazio to Sicily, with both teams aware of the Elefanti’s strong record against the Aquile.

Catania edged a step closer to survival last weekend with a draw against Bari, and they now sit 14th and five points clear of the drop-zone.

Their fixture run-in however provides no guarantees, as they face three of the four sides in contention for fourth spot, title-chasing Inter, and relegation rivals Brescia. However, having won their last four home games, confidence is high against Lazio, a team who haven’t won in Serie A at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

Pietro Lo Monaco reflected this rediscovered belief in taking time to praise Sunday’s opponents, but also warn that his players – and the fans – are not afraid, with their League fate in their own hands.

Diego Simeone faces his old club with a few selection doubts. Giuseppe Bellusci and Cristian Llama have worked separately in training this week, whilst it is also unclear if Fabio Sciacca will return in time for Sunday too. Mariano Izco and Marco Biagianti could both be on the bench after extended absences through injury.

Last weekend saw Lazio reclaim fourth spot in the wake of Roma’s win at Udinese, but having won consecutive games just once since the end of October, the side are nervously preparing for a tough fixture run-in. Indeed, they spent as much of the week building up team spirit to create a siege mentality, as they did on the training pitch.

Claudio Lotito started things off with the announcement of creating a ‘task force’ to help ensure refereeing decisions do not affect the season run-in in the wake of Roma’s 10th penalty of the season last weekend. This was followed by Cristian Ledesma’s claim that neutrals “don’t like us,” appealing to fans to continue their support “as it’s the only way we can get results.”

Crucially for the run-in the team can rely on two heavyweights, with Stefano Mauri back from suspension and free of a thigh strain, and Hernanes shrugging off concerns of fatigue, having played nearly 80 games during 2010. Meanwhile Modibo Diakite remains a doubt whilst Matuzalem is suspended.

Keep an eye on: Diego Simeone (Catania) – In a game where Lazio’s mental strength will be put to the test, it is with irony that the Coach that welcomes them to Catania was responsible in the past for many an inspirational performance as a player for the Biancocelesti. His determination this weekend will now be for a Catania fight, against the team whose fans still chant his name.

Last five in Serie A: Catania (L W L W D) Lazio (W L W L W)

Last season: Catania 1-1 Lazio

Top tip: Lazio have only won once on the road since October, and go into the game nervous, so expect a tight affair.

Stat fact: Catania haven’t lost to Lazio for two-and-a-half years.

Catania (probable): Andujar; Alvarez, Augustyn, Silvestre, Terlizzi; Ledesma, Carboni, Lodi; Ricchiuti; Bergessio, Maxi Lopez

Lazio (probable): Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Biava, Dias, Garrido; Brocchi, Ledesma; Mauri, Hernanes, Sculli; Zarate

Ref: Rizzoli

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/cat-laz.html

[djw1992]

Lol @ Lazio