[dukeofdavinci]

Rossi eyes Lazio restart Saturday 12 January, 2008

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Lazio boss Delio Rossi is confident his team can turn a corner against Genoa after a sorely-needed Christmas break.

“The time off allowed us to recharge our batteries, even if not everyone is 100 per cent fit,” said the Coach.

“We have to kick-start our campaign and think about getting back on track in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.”

The Biancocelesti are now out of Europe and have been struggling badly with just one win from their last five League games.

“Genoa are not a surprise team of the season, they started well and have great support from their fans. I expect my side to play with passion.”

Tensions are running high in the Lazio camp after a row with Guglielmo Stendardo and transfer speculation surrounding Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi.

“We have been distracted by transfer talk for seven months, not just in January, but we have to set that aside because even if someone did join now they would not be ready to take part in all the games we have lined up,” continued Rossi.

“The Coach – unlike the players – has to think about the whole group and not on an individual level. If a player is in good shape, he should be used. Stendardo’s chances of playing do not depend on our rapport.

“I read many things, including claims that I had frozen Stendardo out of the squad, but that is not true. We had a confrontation and talked it over. I am the only one who makes decisions on who plays.”

Rossi could be forced into fielding Stendardo, as Lorenzo De Silvestri, Cristian Ledesma and Sebastiano Siviglia are suspended with Mobido Diakhite and Mourad Meghni injured.

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