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Serie A Week 24 - 24/2/08 (14.00 UK)
Cagliari - Lazio

Stadio Sant'Elia

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Basement club Cagliari will be looking to make up some ground on the sides above them when they welcome Lazio to the Stadio Sant’Elia. The Sardinian minnows have only picked up three victories this term, but the Biancocelesti are far from strong on their travels with just one win to their name.

However, Delio Rossi’s boys should be full of confidence after a resounding victory over Atalanta last weekend which eased them further away from the drop zone. If they are to kick-on and challenge for a spot in Europe then this is the type of game that they must be winning so it comes as no surprise that Rossi is likely to stick with largely the same starting XI which netted three times without reply against the Orobici.

The only change is expected to be the return from suspension of Serbian ace Aleksandar Kolarov, who will replace new boy Stefan Radu. Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev will continue their partnership at the expense of January arrival Rolando Bianchi, who has impressed as a substitute but not to the extent that he can split up the 17-goal duo.

The home side are also expected to make limited changes, despite falling to a disappointing 2-1 loss at Palermo last time out. Michele Ferri picked up an injury in that game so he sees his place go to Francesco Pisano, while Daniele Conti is suspended which gives Portuguese youngster Vitor Gomes the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Rossoblu. Coach Davide Ballardini will be relying heavily on Pasquale Foggia to produce the goods though, as the Azzurri international will be keen to make an impression against the club who own him.

Previous meetings between the sides in recent years had largely been pretty even before Lazio won the last two clashes, with four consecutive games finishing all-square. Rocchi was Cagliari’s tormentor earlier this season with a brace to help his side emerge with a 3-1 victory, while he also netted in the 2-0 success a year ago. However, prior to that Lazio hadn’t beaten the Isolani since 1999 in League action.

Keep an eye on: Pasquale Foggia (Cagliari) – The 24-year-old has a point to prove to Lazio after barely being given a chance with the Biancocelesti. A good performance will also boost his bid to make Italy’s Euro 2008 squad.

Last season: Cagliari 0-2 Lazio

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


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Cagliari (probable): Storari; Pisano, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini; Biondini, Vitor Gomes, Parola; Foggia, Jeda; Matri

Lazio (probable): Ballotta; Behrami, Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov; Mudingayi, Ledesma, Manfredini; Mauri; Pandev, Rocchi

Ref: To follow...

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