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Mutarelli: League is priority Wednesday 17 October, 2007

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Lazio midfielder Massimo Mutarelli has urged his side to recreate their Champions League form in Serie A.

While the Biancocelesti have impressed in Europe’s showpiece competition and drew 2-2 with Real Madrid, they have stuttered in the League.

“Serie A is still our main objective,” the 29-year-old insisted. “Maybe when you play a side like Madrid on the biggest stage you get a special strength, but the League is key."

The Aquile are languishing in the bottom half and are still reeling from a 5-1 evisceration at the hands of Milan in Week 7.

“We gave Milan too much space on the break,” the ex-Genoa man grimaced. “We miss the injured Cristian Ledesma as he is very important for us and tough to replace.

“I want to see people stop criticising the ‘keeper Fernando Muslera. It isn’t just his fault as the defence and midfield are also responsible.”

This weekend sees Lazio face Livorno – a game known for bitter rivalries between politically polarised fans.

“It will be tough,” Mutarelli admitted. “They have a new boss and it is a strange time for them. We will have to be very focused.”

channel4.com - Football Italia