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Rocchi road for Lazio Tuesday 7 August, 2007

Lazio striker Tommaso Rocchi has predicted that the capital club will struggle to match last season’s Champions League qualification.

The 29-year-old spoke to the Press this morning in Fiuggi when he was questioned on the Biancocelesti’s objectives for the upcoming campaign.

“Lazio could have another excellent term, but I don’t think we can make any comparisons with last year because this time we will all be starting with no penalisations,” said Rocchi.

“We will also play in three competitions this season, compared to two last time out. Are we one of the big clubs? No, I don’t think so.

“It isn’t easy to compete with clubs who have 30 players in their squad and want to win the Scudetto and the Champions League. We are a team which always tries to improve.”

Rocchi, who is contracted until 2008 and has scored 32 times in the last two seasons, has been linked with a summer move as President Claudio Lotito has been unwilling to discuss a new contract with him.

“I am trying to behave as a professional, as I have always done,” he insisted. “The contract is the last thing on my mind.

“I am focusing on training and on the Champions League tie with Dinamo Bucharest, which is a crucial objective for all of us.

“I don’t care about the criticism I might receive. There are plenty of Lazio fans, but I don’t think there are many who could disapprove of my behaviour in this situation,” concluded Rocchi.

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