Lazio paid the price for playing in Champions League
As proud as the fans may have been in the season 2006/2007, they are definitely equally disappointed with the last season. Club made an somewhat uncertain entry to the last year because it was weird of them not to deal with their keeper problem expecting miracles from middle-aged, Ballota, who entered his fifth decade. Lotito was deaf of manager Delio Rossi's warnings, the team wasn't boosted and recorded some poor results during the autumn which was all consequence of the lack of players and three-field battle. Club had aslight reaction in January bringing new names for all the lines in the squad, elimination from Europe succeeded so they ended up getting out of the relegation zone and finished the championship in the middle. With the elimination from the Italian Cup, even the last hope of UEFA Cup was dead, so no one can be pleased with the last season. At some point, even Delio Rossi's position was put in danger, but that would've been a suicide and Lotito was well aware of that. There are no better managers available for now and Lazio's head is pulling the best of his boys. Championship is the priority for this season but transfer work was not impressive yet again. Lazio are without sufficient money, forced to operate with limited funds and it is obvious why they are currently below at least five or six Italian clubs. The incapability to pay their players more money will define the ambitions the club has.
Top stars didn't leave the club
Despite all the tempting offers, Pandew and Rochi stayed in the club. Lotito wasn't prepared to risk fans' wrath, although he needs the money. The show called Goalie Carizzo, who has finally signed for Lazio after a year, is over at last. They also hired the returnee to Italy, Metuzalem, defender, Lichtsteiner from Lille, and the Birmingham's outfit, Striker Zarate, who is here to replace Rolando Bianchi whose loan period, is over. The Romans have lost their important players, Behrami and Zauri, so we might say the team is with similar squad as last year. They are claiming the transfer window isn't closed for them yet, several South Americans are being mentioned, but also Crespo who had spent some of his most glorious days playing for the club. It is the question though, if the Romans are able to finance that undertaking. Team is one year older and more composed, which is a good thing. They are also competing only in home league and UEFA Cup seat would be a huge success. We will see if Lazio will be able to surprise some of the more quality teams, but we doubt they are capable of dealing with Italian giants…defense is not impressive, Ledesma is playing his last season in the club, he doesn't want to renew his contract, there is a lot of tension around him and it could be visible in his performances.
In
Carizzo (River Plate), Matuzalem (Zaragoza), Zarate (Birmingham), Lichtsteiner(Lille)
Out
Behrami, Zauri, Mudingayi, Ballotta, Tare
Our tip
Lazio should definitely have more success than last season avoiding relegation fight. Still, their top reach will be UEFA Cup seat and we wouldn't be surprised if they finish the season in the middle. Rivals are stronger than before, and apart the big five (with Fiorentina), there is also few more teams better than Lazio, so any upper half position would be a success for them. Fiery fans will disagree, disillusioned ones are speaking of fourth place fight, but that would be a huge surprise. They will have a lot of problems in the long season, Rochi is already injured, and the impression is they are without the alternative in defense and midfield. This kind of Lazio can only be dangerous at home turf without the skill to attack away…will Zarate fit in is a big question. He is a bomber, but Premiership sideshow roles are not the same as being someone to have the entire team's results depending on them. We will see the kick off, but, none the less, we tip on Lazio not having enough strength for European seat. Italian coup might be the ticket for Europe because all the big teams are fielding their reserve teams for that competition.
Our tip: Lazio to finish in bottom half
Odds 1.90
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
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UEFA
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