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Serie A Week 27 - 9/3/08 (14.00 UK)
Lazio - Livorno

Stadio Olimpico

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Lazio’s meetings with Livorno are always politically charged encounters. Battles between Paolo Di Canio and Cristiano Lucarelli in 2005 were more than just fights on the pitch – they were clashes of culture and ideology.

This year the atmosphere couldn’t be more different. The Biancocelesti haven’t won in three games while Livorno, despite beating Catania at the weekend, are just two points above the drop zone.

Delio Rossi’s side have taken the lead in seven games this season only to lose or draw, costing the Aquilotti a precious 12 points. In October Lazio went ahead against rivals Roma before going down 3-2. In the crucial Champions League tie with Olympiacos, Goran Pandev sent his team into advantage but the Biancoceleste still lost 2-1. Siena and Genoa both came back to steal victories from Lazio.

The last such occasion was at San Siro on Sunday when, after taking the lead through Rolando Bianchi early in the second half, former Laziale Massimo Oddo equalised for Milan in the 66th minute.

To make matters worse for the Rome outfit young left-back Lorenzo De Silvestri will not be available after his sending off against the Rossoneri. Rossi will also be without midfield guardian Gaby Mudingayi, compounding the Laziali’s defensive problems – the two-time Scudetto winners have conceded 33 goals in this campaign and have the fourth worst attack in Serie A.

Livorno recorded their first win in six games against Catania thanks to a glittering second half strike from trequartista Alessandro Diamanti who was playing with Serie D side Fucecchio six years ago, and, justifiably, Giancarlo Camolese was thrilled with the way the Amaranto played.

“After going in front we dominated the game and had tens of shots on goal,” affirmed the former Lazio midfielder turned Coach.

The Labronici have performed as well away as they have at home in 2007-08 picking up three wins on their travels. Striker Francesco Tavano has gone four matches without a goal, but Lazio will have to watch their backs given the 28-year-olds resurgence over the last eight months.

Keep an eye on: Francesco Tavano (Livorno) – Ciccio has scored 10 goals this season and has given the Amaranto hope of remaining in Serie A next year. A late developer like Luca Toni, Lazio should beware of his uncanny ability at netting braces.

Last season: Lazio 1-0 Livorno

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


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Lazio (probable): Ballotta; Rozanhal, Siviglia, Cribari, Radu; Ledesma, Behrami, Dabo; Pandev; Bianchi, Rocchi

Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante; Balleri, Pulzetti, De Vezze, Filippini, Pasquale; Tristan, Tavano

Ref: To follow...

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