MD10: Empoli - Lazio

[Jager]

Empoli - Lazio
Stadio Castellani

This will be a crucial match for both Empoli and Lazio as a win for the Biancocelesti would see them go level on points with their Tuscan hosts. With the European places just ahead, both teams will be eager to earn all three points in this encounter.

Lazio have suddenly found themselves right back in contention for a high finish after their Calciopoli penalty was sensationally cut to just a three-point deduction. But while that will obviously make Coach Delio Rossi’s task a lot easier there are no excuses for a poor League position now and the pressure is really on for the Romans.

Now without a win in their last four matches, the Aquilotti will be desperate to appease their fans and get things back on track now the Calciopoli issue has been dealt with decisively. Rossi’s concerns will be growing over Lazio’s lack of goals. They have managed just one in four matches, quite a drought when you consider that their last match before that was the 4-0 thumping of Torino.

Rossi is also low on options in the goalscoring stakes due to Stephen Makinwa’s injury. Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev are expected to start as usual, but the only choices for a change are Igli Tare and Simone Inzaghi, neither of who have made a significant impact in some time. The situations is made worse by the injuries to the creative midfield trio of Pasquale Foggia, Christian Manfredini and Valon Behrami, while the suspension of the impressive Cristian Ledesma is unlikely to improve Rossi’s mood.

Empoli have problems at the other end though. Defenders Vittorio Tosto, Ivano Baldanzeddu and the veteran Daniele Adani will all miss this game through injury. That means Richard Vanigli should keep his place in the backline after a good showing against Livorno in the Tuscan derby last week, although Lino Marzoratti is still pushing for a starting berth.

The Azzurri are still picking up points, but will need to start winning games if they are to maintain their top half position. They haven’t come away from a match with all three points since their surprise win over high-flying Palermo six weeks ago. They will be especially wary of Lazio hitman Rocchi in this game. The striker scored 28 goals during his time with Empoli so they will know only too well what he is capable of.

Man on fire: Davide Matteini (Empoli) – The skilful forward has played in every match for Empoli so far this season and is finally showing his talent after indifferent spells at Palermo and Livorno.

Last season: Empoli 2-3 Lazio

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

Empoli (probable): Balli; Raggi, Vanigli, Pratali, Lucchini; Marianini, Moro; Busce, Vannucchi, Matteini; Saudati

Lazio (probable): Peruzzi; Oddo, Siviglia, Stendardo, Zauri; Mutarelli, Mudingayi, Baronio, Mauri; Pandev, Rocchi

Ref: To follow...

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...7/emp-laz.html

[Jager]

Empoli 1 - 1 Lazio
Pandev 17 (L), Vannucchi 88 (E)
Stadio Castellani

Nine-man Empoli managed to snatch a last-gasp equaliser, as Lazio's crisis continues.

The Biancocelesti's 11-point Calciopoli penalty was cut to just three in CONI Arbitration, so a win would take them level with their Tuscan hosts. A result was sorely needed after picking up two points in their last four games, but Cristian Ledesma was suspended with Pasquale Foggia, Christian Manfredini and Valon Behrami carrying injuries. Empoli were without a victory in six rounds and faced former Castellani hero Tommaso Rocchi.

The home side threatened first with Sergio Almiron's long-range effort skimming the woodwork, but it was Lazio who took the lead against the run of play.

Goran Pandev sprung the offside trap thanks to Alberto Quadri's pass on the counter-attack just outside the centre-circle and kept his cool to stroke the finish past Daniele Balli.

Gigi Cagni changed his tactical system with attacking midfielder Davide Matteini for defender Stefano Lucchini, though it didn't seem to make too much difference to the game.

Sebastiano Siviglia's header hit the side-netting from a corner and Angelo Peruzzi acrobatically flew to pluck Antonio Busce's curling finish out of the air.

After the break Luca Saudati found himself surrounded by three defenders as he couldn't quite squeeze his shot through, while Raggi failed to get on the end of an Igli Vanucchi assist.

Lazio nearly doubled their lead with Pandev's turn and low strike to skim the base of the upright.

An ex-Empoli defender, Emilson Sanchez Cribari, was sent off for a second bookable offence, but both teams ended up in 10 men following Fabrizio Ficini's yellow card.

Empoli finished the match with nine players following Gasparetto's tackle from behind on Massimo Mutarelli. The substitute had only just come on five minutes earlier!

However, despite this situation, the home side managed to equalise with Vannucchi's screamer from 20 metres on the half-volley to slot into the near top corner.

It was a very odd game and Empoli nearly threw it all away in the final minute, as Busce' accidentally nodded the ball on to his own upright in a botched clearance.

Empoli: Balli; Raggi, Vanigli (Pozzi 55), Pratali, Lucchini (Matteini 35); Almiron (Gasparetto 79), Moro; Busce', Vannucchi, Ficini; Saudati

Lazio: Peruzzi; Oddo, Siviglia, Cribari, Zauri; Mutarelli, Mudingayi, Mauri; Quadri (Baronio 60); Rocchi (Makinwa 65), Pandev (Belleri 73)

Ref: Brighi

Sent off: Cribari 72 (L), Ficini 75 (E), Gasparetto 84 (E)

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...7/emp-laz.html