Società Sportiva Lazio

[Messinterista]

Rocchi Back As Lazio Win Friendly

Tommaso Rocchi made a scoring return as Lazio ran riot over sixth division side Formia, winning 14-0 in an exhibition match on Thursday...

Lazio have made a surprising and positive start to the season and show no signs of slowing down even in their friendly matches. The Biancocelesti were victorious by an incredible 14-goal margin against Formia.

Perhaps more important than the scoreline was the return of striker Tommaso Rocchi, who had not played for Lazio this season after being injured at the Olympics in Beijing during the summer.

Lazio were winning 6-0 by half-time and there were smiles all around as Rocchi grabbed a hat-trick, although he did show some rust as well, missing a few more golden chances. Winger Pasquale Foggia added two more, while in-form Mauro Zarate tallied another.

The second half saw more of the same as the goals flew in for Delio Rossi's side. Simone Inzaghi was extremely prolific, grabbing five goals, while Bologna transfer target Stephen Makinwa contributed three of his own.

Lazio face struggling Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on Sunday afternoon at 1500 CET.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=916326

[Messinterista]

Rocchi Targets 100 Goal Milestone

Lazio ace Tommaso Rocchi's season has yet to kick into gear, after being blighted by injuries so far, but he is now back to action and eager to make up for lost time.

The Italian international missed the start of the season due to a serious foot injury sustained while representing Italy in the Beijing Olympic Games.

But he made his seasonal debut in the heavy loss to Bologna at the Stadio Dall'Ara earlier this month, and after another injury scare that forced him to sit out the tie with Napoli last Sunday, he featured in the vital away win at Chievo Verona in midweek.

"My personal objective is to reach the 100-goal mark at Lazio," Rocchi told Radio Erre 2 show 'Noi Biancocelesti'. "Of course, I will not be able to do it this term, but I will wear these colours for many years, hence I believe I can achieve this milestone."

Argentine Mauro Zarate has been an immediate hit in Serie A and has already become a cult figure among the Aquile fans, after netting 6 goals in the first nine rounds.

"He is a rising star and has great qualities," asserted the 31-year-old marksman. "However, he needs to improve a lot and understand how to be a team player, as he is still a bit selfish on the pitch."

President Claudio Lotito finally managed to land shot-stopper Juan Pablo Carrizo this summer after a lengthy transfer saga, and the Argentine has already proved his worth at the Stadio Olimpico.

"He is an experienced 'keeper," mused Tommaso, "and his role is traditionally very hard, but I feel he is slowly adapting to Italian football."

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=941182

[Messinterista]

Lotito Flies Out To Secure Zarate Deal

Lazio President Claudio Lotito has flown to Buenos Aires to make the final arrangements concerning a deal that will keep Argentine striker Mauro Zarate at the capital club.

Mauro Zarate came to Rome in the summer on loan from Qatar side Al-Saad and has made an immediate impact in Serie A, scoring six goals in 10 starts for the Biancocelesti.

In a poll conducted recently by Argentinian daily Ole, fans were asked to choose the player whom they believed deserved to be called up to the Argentinian national team.

Zarate topped the list due to the phenomenal start made to his Lazio career. Lazio President Claudio Lotito is keen to secure the signature of 21-year-old Zarate, and a five-year contract is reportedly on offer. His brother Sergio is also his agent, and he is currenly in talks with the Lazio boss.

Lotito is confident that the deal will be completed soon, and the Lazio faithful will hope so too, as the Argentinian has already won a place in their hearts, as well as the bedroom walls and sticker albums of many a Roman resident.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=949837

[Messinterista]

Lotito Wary Of Roma Troubles

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is certain that Roma will be at their best for Sunday evening's derby game, despite the recent problems the team have gone through in Serie A.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito believes that the Giallorossi are still the favourites to win the Roman derby clash against their Biancocelesti rivals, despite their current poor form.

"I don't think that my team is the favourite to win the derby," declared the Lazio president to Sky. "We must remain humble, determined and concentrated.

"It will also be a spectacular game for all of our fans."

Lotito does not believe that Roma are in trouble right now, especially when it comes to this match, as they will surely go on the pitch fully motivated to win.

"They are not in crisis," he continued. "Football is made up of episodes which so far have been unfavourable towards Roma.

"They have not obtained as much as they could. I just hope that in the derby, the quality of the players will prevail and that whoever deserves it will win."

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... a-troubles

[Messinterista]

Brocchi Eyes Derby Win

Lazio midfielder Cristian Brocchi is looking forward to playing his first Roman derby and he wants to celebrate it with a win...

The Biancocelesti are full of confidence heading into the game, boasting a 14-point advantage over their bitter rivals from across town.

Although his side are the favourites to emerge victorious, Brocchi is leaving nothing to chance.

The former Milan man is desperate to play and his eagerness is there for all to see.

"I would like to be the player who will decide the outcome of the game for us," Brocchi told Sportal.it.

"We head into the derby in a good moment for us, and we are going onto the pitch with the intention of staying up there in terms of the standings.

"Roma? We cannot question their value as a team.

"They have great players and, of course, they want to win in order to begin a resurgence."

Lazio are in stunning form, two points behind league leaders Inter.

They could go top of Serie A if they win and both Milan and the Nerazzurri fail to pick up points against Palermo and Chievo, respectively.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... -derby-win

[Messinterista]

Rossi: Inter Are Strong But Lazio Can Beat Them

The Aquilotti welcome the league leaders to San Siro this weekend but Rossi has told them that there will be no Christmas presents at the Olimpico...

Lazio coach Delio Rossi admits his side are the underdogs heading into tomorrow night's clash with Inter, but he is eyeing maximum points all the same.

The Biancocelesti will be confident having beaten Milan in the Coppa Italia earlier this week.

However, Rossi has warned his side that Inter are the stronger team and that it will not be easy.

"We need to put on a great performance if we are to win as they are a very powerful side," Rossi told Ansa.it.

"They have excellent technical qualities and they are a physical team. Nevertheless we will play our game and we hope the fans can carry us through.

"Mourinho? He is an excellent coach and a very intelligent person."

Lazio are in fourth place, 10 points behind the Nerazzurri, and they will be looking to do themselves and everyone else a favour by beating the league leaders.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... -beat-them

[Messinterista]

Lazio's Inzaghi: First Milan, Now Inter

The Biancocelesti are ready to take on the Nerazzurri this weekend after eliminating the Rossoneri from the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

Lazio attacker Simone Inzaghi is looking forward to this weekend’s Serie A clash against Inter and is confident that the team can obtain a good result.

The Biancocelesti are coming off a good performance and result against Milan in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, and they will be hoping to repeat this result against the Nerazzurri.

"It was a satisfying result," he admitted. "The Coppa Italia is a competition which at first is snubbed, but we want to win it and we saw this against Milan.

"To win we must give 100% and hope that they make mistakes. However, the win against Milan proved that nothing is impossible.

"We are preparing ourselves to be at our best and we are ready to reward our fans with another great satisfaction."

Inzaghi has been at Lazio since 2005, except for last season when he was on loan to Atalanta.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... -now-inter

[Messinterista]

Lichtsteiner And Pandev Called Up For Inter Match

Lazio players Stephen Lichtsteiner and Goran Pandev have been called up for the hihgly anticipated match with Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, as it seems both are recovering well from knocks...

Lazio face an in-form Inter on Saturday evening at the Stadio Olimpico and fans will be elated that two of their best performers this season have been included in Delio Rossi's squad list.

Both men took part in Wednesday's 2-1 extra time Coppa Italia victory over Milan, but were in doubt for the Serie A showdown with Inter. However, Delio Rossi has included both players in his call-ups.

There were reports Goran Pandev might be rested against the Nerazzurri but it appears that will not be the case after he scored the winning goal in the match against Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Meanwhile, Swiss international Stephen Lichtsteiner is suffering from a twisting ankle. However, team doctos believe that he may be ready to play by Saturday evening, so he has been inlcuded as well.

Lazio are currently ten points behind Inter in the standings, the game should be a hard fought affair as Inter continue to challenge for the Scudetto and the Biancocelesti are aiming for the Champions League.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... nter-match

[Messinterista]

Lazio Edge Towards Elano

Lazio President Claudio Lotito makes the Manchester City man his first choice in waiting as the January window draws nears...

Still awaiting the recovery of Francelino Matuzalem, Claudio Lotito is searching for a new midfielder in the January transfer window. The Manchester City No.11 is seen as a perfect addition to the Lazio squad given his international experience with the Selecao. He also holds an Italian passport meaning he would be eligible for an immediate move

Elano has made no secret of his desire to leave due to his lack of playing time this season under new City boss Mark Hughes. With reports of his desire to see the gaffer sacked this season, it is more than likely that he will be pushed out before he can cause any damage in the dressing room.

The Brazilian has the necessary characteristics to fit into the Lazio midfield, who are short of a winger. He could also prove to be a possible alternative to Matuzalem should his recovery hit another setback.

With rumours spreading of interest from a number of clubs including Espanyol, Lotito will want to make sure he works quickly in order to secure the services of the talented midfielder.

It is understood the Lazio patron would take Elano on loan with the option to buy outright. This method has proved effective in the past for Lazio and Lotito, who is slowly proving himself as very tenacious transfer guru.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... ards-elano

[Messinterista]

Lazio's Stephen Makinwa Close To Chievo Switch

The Nigerian striker looks likely to leave this winter, and the Flying Donkeys are targeting him as a result.

Lazio’s Stephen Makinwa has found little space in the Lazio attack this season, as the spots are usually filled by star striker Mauro Zarate, Goran Pandev and captain Tommaso Rocchi.

The Nigeria native has become unsettled at the Biancocelesti due to his lack of playing time, and he has reportedly handed in a transfer request, hoping to leave as early as January.

After news of his imminent departure spread, promoted side Chievo expressed an interest in his services, in an attempt to bolster their attack for rest of the Serie A season.

The Flying Donkeys have only scored nine goals in 17 matches, and are currently bottom of the log with the worst attacking stats in the league.

Other teams on the continent have also shown interest, with a few Greek clubs joining the race to sign him. Whatever the outcome, it seems likely that the 25-year-old will get his wish to leave Lazio during the upcoming transfer period.

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... evo-switch

[Messinterista]

Maradona Commends Zarate, Embraces Cambiasso

The Coach of the Argentinean National Team was present at a charity match earlier tonight, where he met with some of his country’s finest talents.

Diego Maradona took over as coach of Argentina earlier this year on October 29, following the resignation of the now former coach Alfio Basile. He led his side to victory in his first match in charge against Scotland, as the Argentineans ran out winners by a 1-0 score line.

Earlier tonight, Maradona was present at a charity match, held by the Inter captain Javier Zanetti, and following the contest the Argentinean coach made some comments regarding an up and coming star, who he will consider in the near future, Mauro Zarate of Lazio.

Zarate has made it clear in recent times that his main motivation in football is to earn a call-up to the national team, and Maradona respected these comments by declaring that, “I am aware that playing for you country is the most important thing to many players.

“I will give Zarate every chance, if he is to continue his good form,â€

[Messinterista]

Claudio Lotito: Lazio Will Not Sack Rossi

The chief has rubbished rumours claiming his coach would be out by the end of the week...

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has scoffed at reports claiming coach Delio Rossi was days away from the sack as he reiterates his faith in the Italian.

The Biancocelesti lost again at the weekend as they fell 3-0 at home to a rampant Milan side. The club has been going through a rough patch with fans losing patience and confronting the team at Formelllo.

Reports on Monday suggested Rossi would be out of work if his side lose to Fiorentina on Sunday.

However, Lotito has rubbished the news and he insists Rossi will not be given the sack whatever happens.

"I don't want to repeat this story on all the reports regarding Rossi. I think I have made myself clear on this many times," Lotito told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"These things happen and I hope they end pretty soon.

"We have suffered three defeats in as many games, but hopefully it's just something that will end.

"We have been playing well during the matches, but failed to take the chances."

Source: http://www.goal.com/en/news/698/lazio/2 ... sack-rossi

[Amedio]

What a lob by Rocchi!

[Messinterista]

Four-Star Lazio rule Levski

Lazio ran riot with a 4-0 demolition of Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, as Mauro Zarate and Tommaso Rocchi were among the scorers.

The Biancocelesti had hit something of a brick wall after a very strong start, which included throwing away a lead to lose 2-1 at home to Salzburg in the opening Europa League round. Julio Cruz, Sebastiano Siviglia, Fabio Firmani, Mobido Diakhite', Cristian Brocchi and Lionel Scaloni were sidelined, so two youth team players were in the starting XI.

Mourad Meghni was surprisingly fielded out wide right in a 4-4-2 system rather than his usual trequartista role. Roberto Baronio was an injury doubt for the game, but his free kick prompted the first save.

Tommaso Rocchi also tested Dimitrov at the near post after a Perpetuini through ball, but at the other end Tasevski wasted a chance created by Francelino Matuzalem's mistake.

The deadlock was broken after 23 minutes in Bulgaria when Zarate won back the ball in midfield and sparked a counter, finalised by Matuzalem's angled drive.

Moments later Zarate's snapshot was fingertipped on to the upright, as Lazio went so close to a second.

However, goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri needed to be alert when parrying Hristov's header from a Joaozinho free kick. Fortunately for the visitors, Rabeh was offside for the rebound.

Matuzalem turned another counter-attack just over the bar after good work from Zarate and Eliseu.

On the stroke of half-time, Lazio got their deserved second in Sofia. This time Rocchi sparked the counter and pulled back from the byline for Zarate to volley home.

Straight after the restart Levski threatened, as first Bizzarri beat away Hristov's strike, then Stefan Radu deflected the Joaozinho follow-up off target.

Bardon exchanged passes with Tabokov only to drill past the post of an open goal, while Hristov wasted a golden opportunity with a fresh air effort from the penalty spot.

Pasquale Foggia replaced Zarate to make more of the counter-attacking opportunities and it proved an inspired substitution. Within five minutes of coming off the bench, Foggia had placed an inspired ball over the top for Meghni to fire past Dimitrov.

Foggia was on fire and his sensational left-foot screamer from all of 40 yards was flying into the top corner before Dimitrov's fingertip save.

Rocchi made it 4-0 in Sofia for a marvellous Lazio performance. Once again Foggia was involved, his through ball - and Rabeh's slip - sending Rocchi clear on goal to dribble round the 'keeper.

Substitute Yoyov horribly wasted a consolation goal by shinning it from 10 yards. In the final moments Yoyov did get his effort on target, but Bizzarri brilliantly saved both that shot and Joaozinho's follow-up from point-blank range.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/eurogame ... v-laz.html

[juventino_italiano]

[juventino_italiano]

Pandev didn't respect his contract
Monday 9 November, 2009
Lazio's lawyer Gian Michele Gentile has alleged that want-away striker Goran Pandev hasn't respected his contract with the club.

Pandev wanted a move in the summer and Lazio President Claudio Lotito has since frozen him out of the first team along with fellow 'dissident' Cristian Ledesma.

The 26-year-old Macedonia international has received a lot of support both from the media and the Italian Footballers' Association.

“Pandev said he didn't have any motivation to stay last June. Those were statements that we believe constitute a breach of contract,â€

[juventino_italiano]

Foggia and Zarate unhappy
Tuesday 10 November, 2009
Lazio duo Pasquale Foggia and Mauro Zarate are the latest players to reveal their unhappiness with the club’s management.

Lazio President Claudio Lotito has made a policy of asking players to take pay cuts, which has done more than split the dressing room.

Fed up with being unrewarded both Cristian Ledesma and Goran Pandev announced their decision to leave the club in the summer.

When Lotito received no bids that met his exaggerated asking prices, he made the deeply unpopular decision to freeze both players out of the team.

Pandev has since started legal proceedings against Lazio in which he will ask for his contract to be rescinded. Ledesma is considering similar action.

The news coincides with Lazio hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The Biancocelesti haven’t won since the second week of the season and Davide Ballardini has taken his players to a training camp in Friuli for the next 10 days, another unpopular decision.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Tiberio Cavalleri, the agent of Foggia, said: “He certainly isn’t happy with this situation.

“In general when things don’t go well at a club it’s clear that there is a bad mood among those who don’t play and think, like Pasquale does, about always playing.

“It seems difficult to me that Foggia and Lazio will separate in January. He would need to ask Lazio for their opinion. We’ll see how it evolves, but I think that for this season a move will not present itself.

“Sure, if he had to continue not playing then it’s clear the player has already chosen on several occasions to go to smaller or less important teams than Lazio just to play because he always wants to play,â€

[juventino_italiano]

Pandev being linked to Juve?? Not sure if i'd be too happy about that.
He seems like he would be surplus.

I wouldnt mind Zarate, but being Argentinean he seems like he would be more up Inter's alley than any other team.

Lazio does seem like they're about to implode

[juventino_italiano]

Reja linked with Lazio job

After another day of turmoil at Lazio it emerges former Napoli boss Edy Reja is one of the names being lined up to replace Davide Ballardini.

The Biancocelesti haven't won since the second week of the season and now hover precariously above the drop zone as the half-way point approaches.

Ballardini has been given 15 days to save his job, but with the dressing room split and a punitive training camp organised, he has his work cut out.

Yesterday Pasquale Foggia and Mauro Zarate said they were unhappy with the way the club is currently being run and hinted at possibly leaving the capital.

Their dissent is added to that of Goran Pandev and Cristian Ledesma who are taking legal action against Lazio President Claudio Lotito after he froze them out of the first team.

Now, it appears Lazio have already started sounding out replacements for Ballardini.

Speaking to lalaziosiamonoi.it, Reja, who is currently in charge of Croatian side Hajduk Split, said: “Some days ago I have been contacted by some people close to Lazio.

“They wanted to know if I was available to train [the club]. Now I am in Split, but I can free myself, paying some compensation. I don't believe it would be a problem.â€

[juventino_italiano]

Blog: Wounded Eagles

Giancarlo Rinaldi on the crisis that has engulfed Coppa Italia and Super Cup holders Lazio

Every season, it seems, somebody in Serie A has to suffer a serious fall from grace. A team which recently savoured success finds itself inexplicably mired in difficulty. This year it is Lazio’s turn.

In truth, it is not so hard to understand the sorry condition of the capital club. The tears of joy had barely sunk into the Stadio Olimpico turf after last season’s Coppa Italia triumph when the victorious Coach was being shown the door. Come back, Delio Rossi, all is forgiven.

That may be a little harsh on Davide Ballardini. His predecessor’s success masked a lot of difficulties with the Lazio squad. After the spending excesses of the Scudetto years, the club has been forced to trim its budgets significantly. The trouble is, the fans’ expectations have not been downgraded accordingly.

It would seem that a lot of players are not prepared to accept that the Biancocelesti are not the force they once were either. A number of stars have taken the huff over their contract and either been sent packing or left sitting on the sidelines. It is hardly a recipe for success.

Ballardini has been thrown in at the deep end to try to make some sense of it all. He enjoyed an initial buzz when his troops won the Super Cup against Inter but it has been downhill since then. The Europa League has not been kind and Serie A even worse. To cap it all, the fans are in revolt.

It is a familiar scene around Italy and one which will take a cool head to get through. The Coach will almost certainly be axed if results don’t turn around soon and that might get some of the dissident players back on board. It will not, however, address another major issue.

The Laziali are in need of a reality check. A look at their squad, spending potential and support suggests that they have over-achieved in recent times. They should not be in the relegation fight but, equally, they are not Champions League material. The sooner everyone at the club realises that simple fact, the better it will be for all concerned.

http://football-italia.net/blogs/gr60.html