Serie A' MD24: Lazio - Cagliari [24-02-08]

[dukeofdavinci]

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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[D-Kin]

Lets see if Lazio can build on the win against Atalanta then.

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 24 - 24/2/08 (14.00 UK)
Cagliari 1 - 0 Lazio
Matri 88 (C)
Stadio Sant'Elia

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Lazio are in dire straits after losing to 10-man Cagliari, who have been propping up the table all season.

Basement club Cagliari took on a Biancocelesti side hoping they had finally turned a corner with their 3-0 battering of Atalanta. Aleksander Kolarov's ban had expired, but influential Sardinian midfielder Daniele Conti was suspended. It was a special game for Pasquale Foggia, who is still co-owned by Lazio and was furious he wasn't given an opportunity to shine in Rome.

There was a long history of stalemates here with four straight draws before last season's 2-0 away victory. Marco Storari smothered Tommaso Rocchi's header from an Aleksander Kolarov cross, then the former Empoli striker's lob was over the bar.

Rocchi fired his third attempt of the game off target from the penalty spot, failing to make the most of a Goran Pandev cross from the right. Kolarov smashed one of his trademark low free kicks just past the near post from over 25 metres.

Marco Ballotta flapped a Michele Fini cross-shot out from under the bar, then Foggia combined with Jeda and brought another tough reaction save out of Ballotta's outstretched foot.

Just before the break Pandev had two consecutive efforts charged down by Lopez and Storari. Ledesma's cross from the right found Rocchi's header and an equally impressive save from Storari at the near post.

Fini was shown a straight red card for a horrific studs-up tackle on Gaby Mudingayi's shin, leaving Cagliari with 10 men for the final half-hour. The Lazio midfielder was fortunate to avoid a serious injury.

The Sardinians risked ending up with nine men, as Cossu was spared a second booking for his foul on Kolarov.

Rocchi set up Valon Behrami to bring a tough save out of Storari and Ledesma skimmed the woodwork from distance.

Joaquin Larrivey was booed off the pitch following another dismal performance and his replacement made the difference. Alessandro Matri got in front of his marker for a glancing header that flashed across Ballotta.


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Cagliari: Storari; Pisano, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini; Fini, Cossu, Parola; Foggia (Biondini 67), Jeda; Larrivey (Matri 74)

Lazio: Ballotta; Behrami, Siviglia, Radu, Kolarov; Mudingayi (Tare 89), Ledesma, Manfredini (De Silvestri 46); Mauri; Pandev (Bianchi 66), Rocchi

Ref: Pierpaoli

Sent off: Fini 63 (C)

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Poor result for Lazio.

How much time does Delio Rossi have left?

[D-Kin]

Matri relives late show Monday 25 February, 2008

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Young gun Alessandro Matri couldn’t hide his delight after hitting Cagliari’s late winner against Lazio yesterday.

The 23-year-old marksman joined the Sardinians from Rimini in the summer and is settling in Serie A with six goals so far this term.

Matri hit the 1000th goal in Cagliari’s history to deliver three points for a 10-man side and it could prove crucial in the bottom side’s desperate struggle against relegation.

“I saw that Alessandro Agostini had put in a good ball and since I have been told that I never go to the near post I decided to do it and I got the right connection,” the former Milan man recalled.

“It was great to see the ball hit the back of the net as it was such an important goal.

“This victory is worth its weight in gold, just like the win over Napoli a few weeks ago.

“These three points have given us a big morale boost and we still believe that we can stay in Serie A.

“We will continue to work the way we know how and have always kept training well even during the tough times.”

Now, the Rossoblu must focus on beating Siena on Wednesday if they are to keep their fragile hopes of Serie A survival alive.

“We have to try and get the precious points,” Matri stated. “I’m hoping that I will score more goals because I am feeling confident now.”

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