OOH-LA-LAZIO!!!
A Football Manager Career by henrytg
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henrytg
Edy Reja resigns from Lazio post
May 18, 2012
Lazio boss Edy Reja has stepped down from his role at the Rome club despite the board pleading with him to stay on.
Edy Reja also tried to leave earlier in the season. Photo: Ansa.
The Italian guided the club to the Europa League for the second successive season, only just missing out on a Champions League place.
"My adventure at Lazio ends here,'' he told Cittaceleste.it. "President Lotito gave me his support and asked me to stay on.
"Even after my refusal, he invited me to reconsider and take a week to reflect. But I had already made my decision.
"It seems as if we have not done anything these past two years, even though we twice qualified for the Europa League.
"Of course, if we had hit our target of qualifying for the Champions League this year, things would have been different.
"We had several injuries, which made the season difficult, but it hurts to think that fourth place seems to be worthless.
"In addition the bid to strengthen in January went badly. After the transfer window, I found myself without five or six regulars because of drawn-out transfer negotiations which were never concluded.''
Reja, who was close to walking away at two other points during the season, has no clear front runner for his succession, however Gianfranco Zola, the Watford manager and Roberto Di Matteo, who played for Lazio between 1993 and 1996 have been mentioned has possible targets.
Paolo Di Canio, the Swindon manager and iconic Lazio player also seems a likely option.
henrytg
henrytg
Claudio Lotito: We will take our time over new manager
June 17, 2012
Lazio owner and president Claudio Lotito has declared that Lazio is in ‘no rush’ to find a replacement manager for Edy Reja, who stepped down at the end of the season in May.
Claudio Lotito is taking a laid back approach to finding a new manager. Photo: Ansa.
A number of names have been linked with the Lazio hotseat, including former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola and Lazio legend Paolo Di Canio, current manager of Swindon.
‘The important thing is not to rush’, Lotito said, ‘We must make a measured decision, as it is one that will affect not just the short term for Lazio, but the long term as well.’
‘Everything has to be taken into consideration, and we really want to build on the great foundation that Edy has left us with. To make a quick decision which everyone later regrets would be stupid – we really have to make sure we hire the right man.’
‘We need someone who understands our team, our philosophy, and who has a good understanding of the Italian game. We want to maintain the chemistry already present at the club.’
The Rome club finished in the Europa League places under Reja’s guidance last season, only narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification.
Despite being asked to stay, Reja decided to resign citing a poor transfer window, injuries and failing to qualify for the Champions League.
henrytg
Di Canio in talks with Lazio
June 24, 2012
Swindon Town have allowed Lazio to talk to Paolo Di Canio about him taking over as manager at the Rome club.
Di Canio and Lotito seem to have overcome their personal differences. Photo: Ansa.
Di Canio, a Lazio icon and fan favourite, is understood to be very interested at the chance to manage the club he supported as a boy.
However his playing career at the club ended bittersweetly despite forming a bond with the fans.
He was released in 2006 for his provocative behaviour which included fascist salutes to the club’s ultras as well as clashes with club staff and players.
It now seems that Lotito is willing to put previous issues behind him, believing that Di Canio has matured after his experience with Swindon.
The Italian flew to Rome early this morning after a potential compensation package was agreed between both clubs.
Swindon achieved promotion to League One under Di Canio’s guidance last season, the flamboyant manager’s first job in management.
Di Canio is also understood be the preferred choice of the Irriducibili, Lazio’s most influential Ultra group, which adds likelihood to the deal.
New Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo was also in the running for the post before he was appointed on a permanent basis at the the London club, while Gianfranco Zola is keen to remain in England for the time being, leaving Di Canio as the leading candidate.
Terms are expected to be agreed within the next couple of days, and an official announcement could be made shortly afterwards.
henrytg
Di Canio confirmed as new Lazio boss
June 26, 2012
Paolo Di Canio has been appointed manager of Lazio on a five year deal, the club confirmed today on its website.
Di Canio was eager to make a return to his boyhood club.
The ex Swindon boss completed the formalities this morning before putting pen to paper after Swindon released him from his contract.
Claudio Lotito said in a statement: 'While it is no secret that Paolo left the club in a disappointing manner and that relationships became strained between him and the club, we have decided to put these issues behind us as we believe that he is the right man to take this club forward.'
'Paolo boasts incredible football experience, and of course he has a special bond with the fans here at Lazio.'
'He proved his maturity as a manager at Swindon, leading them to promotion last year in an impressive season, and we are very confident he can achieve the same success at Lazio.'
'Di Canio was the only real option for us, and from that point on, it was just a case of negotiating his release from Swindon and agreeing terms.'
Di Canio's first official day in charge will be the 1st of July, where he will oversee Lazio's pre-season preparations and start work for the new campaign.
henrytg
Di Canio is new Lazio manager: Reaction
June 26, 2012
Paolo Di Canio was confirmed as Lazio's new manager earlier today, and already there has been lots of reaction to the appointment. You can find a selection below.
Di Canio's appointment has provoked a range of reactions.
Lazio vice captain Stefano Mauri on Twitter: Really happy Paolo is back! This season will be the one! FORZA LAZIO!!
Italian football expert and author of Di Canio's biography, Gabriele Marcotti: Di Canio's return to Lazio is one of the most interesting moves in recent years. Many thought that he could never come back to the club after the way he left in 2006, but it clearly seems as though both Lotito and Di Canio have put their differences behind them. Di Canio's appointment will certainly please most Lazio fans, however it will be interesting to see if he can deliver the results as well.
Massimo, Irriducibili member: He was who we wanted, we've got him. A Lazio icon, he's one of us. We could not have had a better choice as manager. Really happy. Forza Lazio!
Gianluca, another Lazio fan: I'm worried that Di Canio is the right person. He has little managerial experience, and his previous relationship with the club could come back to bite him. I would have preferred Zola.
Harry Redknapp, Paolo Di Canio's ex manager: You know it's a big step up for Paolo. He did well at Swindon, but it will be interesting to see how he does on the big stage at a top European club. Good luck to him.
henrytg
Di Canio: My dream has come true
June 27, 2012
In an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolo Di Canio reveals his delight at returning to Lazio, and says that any issues he had with the club are in the past. For the full interview, read today's Gazzetta dello Sport.
Di Canio was determined to return to his former club.
GDS: Lazio was your boyhood club, you must be delighted to be managing them?
PDC: Of course. It's a dream come true. I left the club in a bad way in 2006 and I always felt that if I had the chance to go back, I would try and make things better with President Lotito and try and get this club trophies. I have been given the chance, and I want to deliver.
GDS: Were you expecting to leave Swindon before Lazio approached you?
PDC: No. We had a fantastic season last year, getting promoted in a dominant way, and I would have stayed if Lazio didn't want me. However when the club you have supported all your life asks you to be their manager, you cannot say no.
GDS: You've always had a special relationship with the fans - were they another reason you came back?
PDC: For me, Lazio have the best fans in the world. Passionate, loud, I was one of them when I was younger. Of course they were very important. Having the best fans is important, and they will help us win matches this season. I'm 100% sure. They can make the difference in a close game and really worry our opponents.
GDS: You've only just arrived, but how do you assess the Lazio squad as it is? Are there any areas you want to strengthen?
PDC: We have a very strong squad, that's obvious. We should be aiming for a top three finish in the Serie A this year with the squad we have. Whether we need to buy anyone depends on if we sell anybody. At the moment, we are not looking for players.
GDS: Finally, you've been managing in England for the past year. Will it take you time to adapt?
PDC: I'm confident I can manage. Clearly, it's not a local club anymore, this is Lazio, a team known worldwide. However I obviously have huge passion for this club, and I will give blood, sweat and tears so that we can win games. I will always give 150% to this club and the fans.
henrytg
Di Canio brings in staff from Swindon
June 29, 2012
Lazio have confirmed that Paolo Di Canio has reunited himself with his backroom staff at Swindon. Fabrizio Piccareta will be his assistant manager, while Claudio Donatelli and Domenico Doardo have also been brought in.
Di Canio raided his former club for his backroom staff. Photo: Ansa.
Piccareta was also Di Canio's assistant at Swindon, while Donatelli has been appointed fitness coach and Doardo the goalkeeping coach. Giulio Viscardi, the team masseur at Swindon, has also been brought in.
Staff from Edy Reja's previous regime have followed him out of the club, leaving Di Canio with a clean slate from which to start.
Both Di Canio and his staff will start work on the 1st of July, before the players return for Euro 2012 and their summer breaks.
henrytg
Lazio announce pre-season calendar
July 7, 2012
Lazio have confirmed their four pre-season fixtures, which includes games against AlbinoLeffe and Pisa.
Lazio will only play one foreign club in their pre-season campaign. Photo: Ansa.
The other games are against Rijnsburgse Boys and Trapani, which should prove a good chance for fringe players to earn their place in the side.
Lazio's first game is against Rijnsburgse Boys, and they play AlbinoLeffe a week before the first game in the Serie A.
The full list:
henrytg
Juventus make bid for Lulic
July 15, 2012
Juve have made an co-ownership offer for Lazio's Senad Lulic, according to sources at the club.
Lulic is coveted by Juve. Photo: Ansa.
It is understood Juventus have offered around £5 million for half of the player's rights, however this is believed to be short of Lazio's valuation of the player, which is closer to a total of £20 million.
Lulic impressed last year for Lazio, playing 27 times and scoring 4 goals. He was voted the third best Bosnian player and drew the attention of Chelsea among others. He has played both at left back and left winger for Lazio, with his versatility a big part of his game.
Juventus seem to have made the Bosnian a top transfer target, and should they meet Lazio's asking price, it certainly seems as though he could be heading to Turin.
Lulic has also played over 20 times at international level, scoring one goal.
henrytg
Rozzi joins Ternana on loan
July 22, 2012
Young Italian striker Antonio Rozzi has joined Ternana on a season long loan deal from Lazio, it was confirmed.
Rozzi will get more first team action this season. Photo: Ansa.
Rozzi, 19, has played in 3 competitive games for Lazio, making his debut last year as a replacement for the injured Tommaso Rocchi against AC Milan.
'I'm really happy to be joining Ternana on loan. It will give me vital first team experience and hopefully I can then bring that back to Lazio next year to fight for a place in the first team', Rozzi said on Ternana's website.
Born in Rome, Rozzi began his career with local side Casal Monastero, before moving to A.S. Lodigiani. At Lodigiani, he was identified by Lazio where he became a successful youth player.
Charlie M
henrytg
Thanks, should be fun.
Lulic signs new Lazio deal
July 24, 2012
Senad Lulic has put pen to paper on an improved four year deal with Lazio, all but ending the chances of him leaving the club.
Lazio turned down more than one bid for the Bosnian. Photo: Ansa.
If sources are to be believed, the contract could be worth up to £7 million, a considerable improvement on his previous deal.
'I'm happy to stay with Lazio, I had a good season last year and I want to build on that. Hopefully now I've signed a new contract I'll be able to look forward to the season ahead and concentrate on my football', Lulic said in a statement.
'Senad is one of our best players, so I'm happy that he's going to be staying', Lazio manager Paolo Di Canio said. 'We will need his quality this season, and I think it sends a message to our rivals that they can't come and just buy all our best players.'
Lulic had been the subject of several bids from Juventus, however none of them met Lazio's £20 million valuation of the player. It is understood that AC Milan also came in with an offer, which was also rejected.
henrytg
Kozak extends Lazio contract
July 31, 2012
Czech striker Libor Kozak has signed a new five year deal with Lazio, ending speculation linking him with a move to Inter.
Three clubs were reportedly interested in the striker. Photo: Ansa.
Kozak, who extended his contract by a year, was apparently keen on a move, however after talks with manager Paolo Di Canio, he was convinced to stay and sign an improved deal.
AC Milan and Roma was also interested in the Czech's services, however Lazio stood firm and rejected enquiries.
'I spoke with Paolo, and he convinced me to stay', Kozak said, 'I'm really happy to have signed a new contract and I think I've made the right decision.'
Kozak is the second Lazio player to have signed a new deal this week after Senad Lulic also agreed an improved contract following a rejected bid from Juventus.
Lazio will be encouraged that they are keeping hold of some of their best players, with their ambitions this season to achieve Champions League qualification, something they only narrowly missed out on last year.
henrytg
Rijnsburgse Boys 1-4 Lazio
August 4, 2012
Lazio comfortably saw off Rijnsburgse Boys in their first pre-season match with a brace from Miroslav Klose and a sublime finish from Mauro Zarate.
Zarate celebrates his stunning goal. Photo: Ansa.
In what was an open, free flowing game, both sides had chances from kickoff, however it was Lazio who struck first through centre back Modibo Diakite, who tapped the ball in after Rijnsburgse Boys failed to clear a corner.
The Belgian club quickly responded though, with Pepijn Kluin hitting the post after being played through.
It was a sign of things to come, and on 35 minutes, Rijnsburgse Boyse found the equaliser, with Edwin Doorn getting on the end of a cross to head the ball powerfully past the helpless Carrizo.
Lazio responded just before half time, with Ledesma’s 25 yard piledriver hitting the crossbar, the last chance in a half where both teams could have gone in ahead.
If the first half was close, the second half was dominated by Lazio. Only ten minutes in, the Biancocelesti took the lead, with Miroslav Klose producing a half volley to turn in a cross from Gonzalez.
Fifteen minutes later Mauro Zarate scored the goal of the game, producing a stunning top corner volley from Matuzalem’s lofted ball over the top of the defence.
Only five minutes later, Miroslav Klose got his second and well and truly put the game to bed, powerfully heading home from a cross by Foggia.
It was a good start for Paolo Di Canio, and he will no doubt look to build on this performance in Lazio’s next friendly game against Trapani.
Lineups:
Rijnsburgse Boys: Van Niuewkoop (Orlowski 45), Sardar (Groot 7), Kras, Van Noord (van Beuningen 46), Celen (Bruma 46), Snijders (P Freke 46 [Schet 63]), Leitoe (K Winter 46), Van den Boogart (Van der Vijver 46), Strooker (B Freke, 46), Kluin (Van Egmond 46), Doorn (Haselhoff 46 [J Winter 81])
Subs not used: None.
Yellow cards: Van der Vijver
Goals: Doorn (36)
Lazio: Carrizo, Cavanda, Diakite, Dias (Ciani 78), Zauri (Gonzalez 45), Lulic (Hernanes 66), Ledesma (Onazi 45 [Matuzalem 66]), Foggia (Floccari 78), Candreva (Ederson 66), Zarate (Sculli 78), Rocchi (Klose 45)
Subs not used: Marchetti, Biava, Mauri.
Yellow cards: None.
Goals: Diakite (14), Klose (55, 74), Zarate (69)
Stats:
Shots: Rijnsburgse Boys 9-20 Lazio
On Target: Rijnsburgse Boys 4-7 Lazio
Fouls: Rijnsburgse Boys 12-12 Lazio
Possession: Rijnsburgse Boys 48%-52% Lazio
henrytg
Pisa-Lazio friendly cancelled
August 5, 2012
The Pisa-Lazio friendly fixture scheduled for the 14th of August has been cancelled.
Lazio will now only play two more friendlies.
The fixture clashed with Pisa's Italian Cup tie against Crotone.
henrytg
Trapani 0-2 Lazio
August 9, 2012
Goals on either side of half time allowed Lazio to record a comfortable win against Trapani.
Floccari enjoys his goal with Ciani. Photo: Ansa.
Lazio controlled the pace of the match from the start without really creating many chances, however their first serious one was taken when Lorik Cana gave the ball to Cristian Ledesma on the edge of the box who tucked away a tidy finish on the half hour mark.
Five minutes later, Kozak produced a decent save from the Trapani keeper Morello, and only two minutes afterwards Ederson hit the inside of the post with a rocket shot from just inside the box.
That was the last chance before the interval, in a half where Trapani did not create any problems of note for Lazio.
The second half started as the first one ended, with another Ledesma shot forcing a save from the Trapani keeper.
From the corner that ensued, Trapani failed to properly clear, allowing Cristian Ledesma to thread a ball through to Floccari who with his back to goal produced a nice finish to beat Morello in the far corner for Lazio's second goal.
The only other chance of the half came late on, when Tommaso Rocchi shot narrowly over from inside the box.
It was a comfortable win for Lazio who were never really troubled, and the Biancocelesti now have ten day break before their final pre season game against AlbinoLeffe.
Lineups:
Trapani: Morello (Castelli 61), Lo Bue (Dai 61), D'Aiello (Priola 45), Pagliarulo (Filippi 61), Rizzi (Lo Monaco 61), Caccetta (F Spinelli 61), Pirrone, Giordano (Mancosu 61), Basso (Cavallaro 45), Abate (Docente 61), Madonia (M Spinelli 61)
Subs not used: Ficarotta, Gambino
Yellow cards: Basso
Goals: None.
Lazio: Marchetti, Gonzalez, Ciani, Biava (Radu 67), Scaloni (Zauri 45), Matuzalem (Ledesma 29), Cana (Hernanes 67), Ederson (Foggia 45 [Zarate 75]), Mauri (Candreva 67), Kozak, Floccari (Rocchi 75)
Subs not used: Bizzarri, Diakite, Lulic, Klose.
Yellow cards: Biava, Zauri, Cana
Goals: Ledesma (31), Floccari (50)
Stats:
Shots: Trapani 6-28 Lazio
On Target: Trapani 2-10 Lazio
Fouls: Trapani 10-15 Lazio
Possession: Trapani 43%-57% Lazio
henrytg
Di Canio: Foggia injury shouldn't overshadow good performance
August 9, 2012
Speaking after Lazio's friendly win against Trapani, Paolo Di Canio revealed that Pasquale Foggia picked up a knock which will rule him out for the start of the season. However he added that it shouldn't overshadow the good performance of his team.
Lazio will have to do without Pasquale Foggia. Photo: Ansa.
When asked about the state of the winger, Di Canio said:
'For Pasquale, we know it's quite a bad one. The physios say at least one month, but probably two.'
'It's annoying as Pasquale is an important part of our depth, and without him we will be in trouble if one of our starting players gets injured. We shouldn't panic yet though, hopefully we won't have any more problems before the start of the season.'
Di Canio went on to assess the performance of his team:
'While Pasquale's injury is disappointing, the press conference should not be just about this. I thought we played with real desire today, even though that can sometimes be difficult when you're playing a team from Serie C2.'
'We maybe should have scored more goals, but we created chances, which is the important thing ahead of the season.'
Lazio's Serie A season starts with a game against Genoa, after playing in the first leg of the Europa League playoff.
henrytg
Rocchi: Lazio needs Champions League football
August 10, 2012
In an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio captain Tommaso Rocchi spoke about the Biancocelesti's need for Champions League football, as well as Paolo Di Canio and how the club has changed since he joined.
Di Canio was determined to return to his former club.
GDS: What are your ambitions for Lazio this season?
TR: I think it's obvious: Champions League. Lazio is a massive club, we haven't been in the Champions League for a number of years and we really need to be back in the biggest European competition. We came last year with Edy [Reja], and hopefully this season that experience will be the driving force we need to achieve it.
GDS: Paolo Di Canio made a dramatic return to Lazio at the start of the summer. How have things been different so far?
TR: I remember when I played with him in 2004, he was always the most passionate guy around, always wanting the best for the club. He hasn't changed, expect that he maybe doesn't do as many crazy things like he did before. His personality hasn't changed though, and he's brought a new sense of discipline to the club. He's definitely different to Edy, but both are great managers.
GDS: Does Di Canio rely on you to as the senior player at the club and as captain?
TR: Of course, I think that's always the relationship between manager and the captain. Having said that, Paolo is Paolo, and I;m sure he would be playing if he could. I'm expected to transmit my experience to the younger players, however is also on their case if they do something wrong. His attention to detail and passion know no bounds.
GDS: You start the Serie A campaign with a game against Genoa. Are you confident?
TR: Absolutely. We have to be with the squad we have. With Miroslav we have a top goalscorer, in Hernanes one of the best midfielders in the world, defensively we're also solid. Why shouldn't we win?
GDS: Finally, your contract expires at the end of this season. Do you want to stay on?
TR: We'll see what happens. I love Lazio, I love the fans, so hopefully something can be done. I've had nine years at this club, and hopefully we can extend that even further.
henrytg
Lazio draw Anzhi in Europa League Playoff
August 10, 2012
Lazio were handed a tough Europa League playoff draw against Anzhi Makachkala. The Rome club will need to beat the Russian side in order to qualify for the group stages of the competition.
Anzhi's owner has invested heavily in the team. Photo: Ansa.
Anzhi's side includes star names such as Samuel Eto'o, Willian and Mbark Boussoufa, and will prove a challenge for this Lazio team.
The first leg will be played in Makachkala, on the 23rd of August. As a result, Lazio's first Serie A game of the season against Genoa has been moved to the 26th of September. The return tie against Anzhi at the Stadio Olimpico is on the 30th of August.
Lazio fans will be dreading the trip to Russia, with Dagestan having an unsafe reputation, however a good result from Lazio should keep them in high spirits.
The Anzhi game also represents the first big test in Paolo Di Canio's reign, not an ideal debut for any manager.
henrytg
Lazio make offer for Halilovic
August 11, 2012
Lazio have made an offer for Dinamo Zagreb's 16-year-old wonderkid Alen Halilovic, according to sources.
Halilovic has been scouted by all the top clubs. Photo: Ansa.
Under Croatian policy however, Halilovic would not be able to play for Lazio until his 18th birthday, so even if the deal were to go through, he would stay at Dinamo until July 2014.
Halilovic has been chased by Chelsea, Tottenham and Real Madrid, and is seen as a successor to Luka Modric.
According to rumors, Lazio already failed earlier this summer to sign PSV startlet Zakaria Bakkali, who instead joined Chelsea, so the Biancocelesti will hope that Halilovic quickly agrees a deal to join them.
Halilovic, who can play on the wing or as a central attacking midfielder, has already broken a number of records in his career, including becoming the youngest player in Dinamo's history and the youngest ever scorer in Dinamo's history.
Should Dinamo accept the offer, personal terms shouldn't be a problem and Lazio will look to agree the deal by the end of next week.
henrytg
Albinoleffe-Lazio friendly cancelled
August 11, 2012
The Albinoleffe-Lazio friendly fixture scheduled for the 19th of August has been cancelled.
Lazio's next match will be against Anzhi
The fixture clashed with the Atalanta-Brescia fixture (Atalanta share their stadium with AlbinoLeffe).
henrytg
Lazio announce squad for Anzhi fixture
August 14, 2012
Lazio have confirmed their 25 man squad for the Anzhi Europa League playoff.
There are several notable exclusions from the squad Photo: Ansa.
In order to comply with UEFA's home grown regulations, Lazio have been forced to exclude some players, including Christian Brocchi, Sergio Floccari, Giuseppe Sculli and Giuseppe Biava. The full list can be found below.
Goalkeepers: Federico Marchetti, Juan Pablo Carrizo
Defenders: Luciano Zauri, Modibo Diakite, Andre Dias, Stefan Radu, Abdoulay Konko, Michael Ciani, Luis Pedro Cavanda
Midfielders: Matuzalem, Cristian Ledesma, Antonio Candreva, Alvaro Gonzalez, Hernanes, Stefano Mauri, Senad Lulic, Lorik Cana, Ederson, Antonio Cinelli
Forwards: Mauro Zarate, Miroslav Klose, Tommaso Rocchi, Libor Kozak, Gonzalo Barreto, Ettore Mendicino
henrytg
Lazio complete Halilovic deal
August 14, 2012
Alen Halilovic will join Lazio when he turns 18, Dinamo Zagreb confirmed on their website.
Halilovic has been scouted by all the top clubs. Photo: Ansa.
The Biancocelesti will be delighted that they have been able to secure a talent that has been wanted by all the top European clubs in a move that can be considered somewhat of a coup for the Rome club.
'I'm delighted to be joining a club as big as Lazio,' Halilovic said on Dinamo's website, 'However I won't get carried away. For now my focus is just on helping Dinamo win, and I won't be thinking about Lazio until 2014.'
The transfer fee was undisclosed but believed to be just under €2 million, a surprisingly low fee.
Lazio boss Paolo Di Canio later released a statement on the Lazio site.
'I have to say hats off to my scouting team who did such a good job. In Alen we have secured somebody who will be a very important player for us in the next several years. It's good for us that he continues his development at Dinamo for now, as he will be able to obtain valuable first team experience.'
The contract length was also not revealed, however it would presumably be at least a five year deal.
henrytg
Lazio suffer double injury blow
August 15, 2012
Both Stefano Mauri and Senad Lulic have picked up injuries on international duty, with the Italian ruled out for up to two months and the Bosnian unavailable for two weeks.
Both players will miss the critical Anzhi Europa League Playoff Photo: Ansa.
The injuries could have not been more poorly timed for Lazio, who will have to do without two of their more important players for the Anzhi Europa League Playoff and the Serie A opener against Genoa.
Stefano Mauri is out for even longer than Lulic - the Italian suffered a lower back stress fracture while training with the Italy squad, and his two month absence will definitely be a miss for Lazio.
Lulic twisted his knee while playing for Bosnia against Turkey, and his two week absence will still cause problems for Lazio, who are now left with a shortage of players the left flank.
Both injuries follow the news of Pasquale Foggia's injury, who will also be ruled out for up to two months after picking up a knock in the friendly against Trapani.
henrytg
Torino-Lazio game rearranged
August 20, 2012
The Torino-Lazio Serie A fixture has been rearranged after the Italian Cup draw was made.
Lazio's first game of the season is against Genoa.
Torino vs Lazio will now take place on the 5th of December, with Torino playing Chievo on the 28th of November, the original date of the match.
henrytg
Di Canio: We shouldn't be playing Anzhi, UEFA is 'crazy'
August 22, 2012
In a lively press conference, Paolo Di Canio expressed his anger with UEFA for Anzhi not being seeded, and added that Lazio weren't favourites for the match.
Lazio are underdogs for their upcoming match. Photo: Ansa.
'UEFA are crazy. They really have lost it. Anzhi are a team that could beat most of the top teams in Europe, but they are unseeded in the Europa League Playoff? It's mad. I don't understand. We should not have to play them. We have got drawn against a crap team from Moldova or Anzhi. It's not even a draw, it's just a toss of a coin to see if we'll qualify.'
'If we come back with a draw from Russia, we can really congratulate ourselves. Russia is pretty much the worst place to play football, especially when it's in the middle of nowhere, and when my players know they have to mark Samuel Eto'o... it's completely crazy!'
'Something has to be done about this. Lazio should be playing in the Europa League. It's not right.'
Di Canio continued, saying his side were definitely the underdogs.
'Look at our teams. They have Samuel Eto'o one of the best strikers in the world, Lassana Diarra, a top goalkeeper, and while I have confidence my team can beat them if we play our best, if we're not 100% we will lose.'
The return leg is on the 30th of August, and Lazio will play Genoa in the Serie A in between.
henrytg
Anzhi Makachkala 1-0 Lazio
August 23, 2012
A lone goal from Samuel Eto'o gave Anzhi the edge in what was an unspectacular encounter.
Eto'o after scoring for Anzhi. Photo: Ansa.
The game was scrappy and neither side created many chances. The first half was forgettable, with both keepers unemployed and most of the action happening in the middle of the park. Lazio seemed content to sit back, while Anzhi couldn't work the ball into a dangerous position.
The second half started strongly for Anzhi however. Their first possession almost got them a goal, when Lassana Diarra played in Boussoufa whose vicious shot struck the post.
Anzhi didn't have to wait long however for that elusive goal, and two minutes later Eto'o picked up a pass from Boussoufa before beating his man on the edge of the box and comfortably slotting past Marchetti in the one on one.
Lazio did eventually respond with their best chance of game after 65 minutes, when Candreva put Matuzalem through on goal, however the Brazilian hit the post from a narrow angle after beating the keeper.
Samuel Eto'o had a second goal turned down for offside ten minutes later, and that was it for what was an uneventful match.
Lazio still have themselves a chance of qualifying in front of their home crowd by only conceding one goal, however it's a tall order against a quality Anzhi team, as they proved tonight.
Lineups:
Anzhi: V Gabulov, Logashov, Joao Carlos, Gadjibekov, Tagirbekov, Ahmedov, Jucilei, Diarra, Boussoufa, Traore (Carcela 45), Eto'o
Subs not used: Pomazan, Burmistrov, G Gabulov, Agalarov, Smolov, Ewerton.
Yellow cards: Eto'o
Goals: Eto'o (47)
Lazio: Marchetti, Konko, Diakite, Cana, Radu, Ederson (Matuzalem 45), Hernanes (Zarate 75), Ledesma (Ciani 68), Candreva, Kozak, Klose
Subs not used: Carrizo, Dias, Zauri, Rocchi.
Yellow cards: Matuzalem.
Goals: None.
Stats:
Shots: Anzhi 22-6 Lazio
On Target: Anzhi 11-2 Lazio
Fouls: Anzhi 12-12 Lazio
Possession: Anzhi 53%-47% Lazio
Shedender
henrytg
Thanks, glad you're enjoying it.
Di Canio: We were perfect for 89 minutes
August 23, 2012
Speaking after Lazio's loss to Anzhi, Paolo Di Canio said he was annoyed they couldn't get the draw as his side played 'perfectly' for 89 minutes.
Samuel Eto'o gave Anzhi the advantage in the tie. Photo: Ansa.
'I think we were perfect for 89 minutes. We conceded the minute after half time, we weren't focused the moment we came out and that's was caused the goal. One moment of inattention, now we have to win 2-0 at the Olimpico.'
'It's stupid, because I thought for the other 89 minutes, we played very well defensively, and we even created a chance where we really should have scored.'
'Again though, that's why Samuel Eto'o is good. There are many strikers that wouldn't have capitalised right after half time, but Eto'o is always alert to defensive mistakes.'
Asked if the tie is still alive, Di Canio replied:
'Any tie is still alive when we play at the Olimpico in the second leg. We could be down 3-0 and I would still believe. Having said that, it will be a complicated balance between attacking and not conceding an away goal.'
Lazio play Genoa in the Serie A before the return leg on the 30th of August.