[D-Kin]

Ulivieri faces Foti wrath Thursday 28 February, 2008

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The pressure is rising on Reggina boss Renzo Ulivieri after a 1-0 defeat against Lazio that enraged Amaranto President Lillo Foti.

The Calabrians lost a crucial game against fellow strugglers Lazio after a debatable penalty award late in the first half.

After an early renaissance under Ulivieri – who replaced Massimo Ficcadenti in November – Reggina have slipped back down the table and there are rumours that a new Coach could be on the cards due to Foti’s evident anger.

“Am I angry or bitter? No, I am genuinely raging because of so many things,” Foti roared after the final whistle.

It is suspected that Foti was angered by Ulivieri’s decision to leave midfielder Franco Brienza on the bench despite his inspirational form and goal against Juventus last Saturday.

However, the under-fire Ulivieri refused to be downcast after the game and was uncharacteristically philosophical in defeat.

“It was a good performance and we were encouraging on the counterattack,” he insisted.

“Against Juventus we probably got more than we deserved and this evening less.

“We should be higher up the table and now things are a bit complicated, but from here we have to view each game like a Final.”

Emanuel Cascione, who nearly found an equaliser at the start of the second half, felt the result was cruel and stressed his belief in Ulivieri.

“I am disappointed at my missed chance, but the ball was wet and it skidded,” he explained.

“There is a deep feeling of regret because we deserved a draw as we had lots of opportunities against a Lazio side that wasn’t at it’s best.

“In the first period we had trouble, but we didn’t come here looking for a 0-0 draw and sadly we let it slip.

“We shouldn’t beat ourselves up as we had a good second half and the boss has my utmost respect.”

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