[Jager]

Empoli - Lazio
Stadio Castellani

This will be a crucial match for both Empoli and Lazio as a win for the Biancocelesti would see them go level on points with their Tuscan hosts. With the European places just ahead, both teams will be eager to earn all three points in this encounter.

Lazio have suddenly found themselves right back in contention for a high finish after their Calciopoli penalty was sensationally cut to just a three-point deduction. But while that will obviously make Coach Delio Rossi’s task a lot easier there are no excuses for a poor League position now and the pressure is really on for the Romans.

Now without a win in their last four matches, the Aquilotti will be desperate to appease their fans and get things back on track now the Calciopoli issue has been dealt with decisively. Rossi’s concerns will be growing over Lazio’s lack of goals. They have managed just one in four matches, quite a drought when you consider that their last match before that was the 4-0 thumping of Torino.

Rossi is also low on options in the goalscoring stakes due to Stephen Makinwa’s injury. Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev are expected to start as usual, but the only choices for a change are Igli Tare and Simone Inzaghi, neither of who have made a significant impact in some time. The situations is made worse by the injuries to the creative midfield trio of Pasquale Foggia, Christian Manfredini and Valon Behrami, while the suspension of the impressive Cristian Ledesma is unlikely to improve Rossi’s mood.

Empoli have problems at the other end though. Defenders Vittorio Tosto, Ivano Baldanzeddu and the veteran Daniele Adani will all miss this game through injury. That means Richard Vanigli should keep his place in the backline after a good showing against Livorno in the Tuscan derby last week, although Lino Marzoratti is still pushing for a starting berth.

The Azzurri are still picking up points, but will need to start winning games if they are to maintain their top half position. They haven’t come away from a match with all three points since their surprise win over high-flying Palermo six weeks ago. They will be especially wary of Lazio hitman Rocchi in this game. The striker scored 28 goals during his time with Empoli so they will know only too well what he is capable of.

Man on fire: Davide Matteini (Empoli) – The skilful forward has played in every match for Empoli so far this season and is finally showing his talent after indifferent spells at Palermo and Livorno.

Last season: Empoli 2-3 Lazio

Form guide: Empoli (L L D D D) Lazio (W D L L D)

Empoli (probable): Balli; Raggi, Vanigli, Pratali, Lucchini; Marianini, Moro; Busce, Vannucchi, Matteini; Saudati

Lazio (probable): Peruzzi; Oddo, Siviglia, Stendardo, Zauri; Mutarelli, Mudingayi, Baronio, Mauri; Pandev, Rocchi

Ref: To follow...

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