Preview: Lazio – Siena

By: Matthew | November 7th, 2008

It’s amazing how after a derby win the world seems that much rosier. This week has simply flown by, Siena are in the midst of a mini-transfer saga with former Milan and World player of the year Ronaldo, Gianluca Curci has declared his delight at being at the Artemio Franchi and Marco Giampaolo is growing in my opinion by the week… hell, even the impending trip to Lazio looks accomplishable.

But on a serious note, this is where i need to put my aspirations in check. Lazio’s roaring start to the season hit a wobble but after a late victory against Catania last week things seems to be on the up for them again. They will be licking their lips with the prospect of La Robur visiting the Olimpico this weekend, as i bianconeri boast one of the worst away records in the league, despite their impressive home form and their three massive points against the viola a weekend ago.

The home side are likely to start with Pasquale Foggia supporting Mauro Zarate and Tommaso Rocchi up front, as Pandev is suspended, however they are expecting Matuzalem and Manfredini to recover intime for the match. This looks a frightening prospect but we are lucky to welcome back central rock Daniele Portanova who after missing the derby will add further options to the backline. Giampaolo is likely to select Abdel Ghezzal (he better do!) to support former Massimo Maccarone. Ghezzal has seriously impressed since joining, and this was no more evident by being handed his first start against the scum and, for me, his performance there deserves another.

Although I am proud of the way the team has played this season, the onus is to pick up on the road. The Olimpico is not the easiest place to do that but I don’t think that there is a team in the division that Siena cannot beat… however, I’m going to have to side with a hard fought 2-1 win for Lazio.