Serie A Preview: Lazio - Cagliari

Tensions Rising

After limping away from Bari's San Nicola following arguably their worst all-round performance this season, the mood in the Lazio camp couldn’t be any lower. After being outplayed on all levels by a side who were plying their trade in Italy’s second flight last season, Davide Ballardini was once again left to explain why his outfit once again failed to show as their winless run stretched to two months.

With Ousmane Dabo picking up Lazio’s third red card within the space of a week, it is clear that tensions amongst the players are at an all time high. It is still unclear whether this anxiety has stemmed solely from a string of negative results or whether the decision to freeze out a number of former regulars is starting to affect to mood of the group.

With just ten points in nine games, there is no more room for error if Lazio want to avoid being dragged into an eventual battle to stay in the top flight. Ballardini is well aware that his side must turn things around quickly or he could be joining the long list of top flight tacticians already out of work.

Rossoblu Ready To Conquer The Capital

After going behind twice to eventually run out 3-2 winners over Genoa on Sunday, a positive air has returned to the Cagliari base as the Rossoblu finally put their recent run of defeats behind them. As they look to rediscover the form which lead them an impressive ninth placed finish last term, it seems the Isolani certainly have the character to avoid being sucked into the lower realms of the standings.

Following their impressive 4-1 victory at the Olimpico in late January, Cagliari will remember how Lazio struggled to deal with their attacking options.

As they prepare to travel to the capital for the second midweek round of the season, Massimiliano Allegri’s side will want to pick up where they left off at the weekend. Should they manage to rustle the Aquile’s feathers early on, they will certainly be in with a great chance of winning some points, potentially tipping their opponents into a full blown crisis.


FORM GUIDE

Lazio

October 25 v Bari (A) LOST 2-0 (Serie A)

October 22 v Villarreal (H) WON 2-1 (Europa League)

October 17 v Sampdoria (H) DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

October 4 v Fiorentina (A) – DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

October 1 v Levski Sofia (A) – WON 4-0 (Europa League)

Cagliari

October 25 v Genoa (H) WON 3-2 (Serie A)

October 17 v Catania (A) LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

October 4 v Chievo (H) LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

September 27 v Parma (A) WON 2-0 (Serie A)
 
September 23 v Bari (A) WON 1-0 (Serie A)


TEAM NEWS

Lazio

Roberto Baronio is set to return to the starting line up after missing out on the embarrassing display at Bari through suspension. Ballardini is preparing to revert back to a classic 4-4-2 following the confusion at the weekend. Both Matuzalem and Aleksandar Kolarov are one booking away from a suspension.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Muslera, Kolarov, Siviglia, Diakite, Lichtsteiner; Mauri, Baronio, Brocchi, Matuzalem; Rocchi, Zarate

Cagliari

Allegri has almost a full squad to choose from ahead of the trip to the capital. Francesco Pisano and Lino Marzoratti have been training separately as they look to overcome slight knocks. With the former set to remain at base, the full-back is expected to recover in time for Wednesday night’s clash.

Probable Starting XI – (4-3-1-2): Marchetti; Agostini, Lopez, Astori, Marzoratti; Lazzari, Conti, Dessena; Cossu; Jeda, Nene


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Roberto Baronio (Lazio)

As the calls for the return of Cristian Ledesma grew ever louder following Lazio’s abysmal display in Puglia over the weekend, it became clear that Ballardini simply cannot do without Baronio, who missed out through suspension. Playing a crucial role between defence and attack, the midfield general is the orchestrator for the Aquile’s change in phases and without him they simply cannot get going.

Jeda (Cagliari)

The Brazilian played a central role in last season’s sack of Rome, when Cagliari came out 4-1 winners against the Biancocelesti. After two early goals, he went on to win a penalty and setup the fourth as the Rossoblu tore the home side apart with their attacking 3-4-3 formation. With three goals to his name so far, the Cagliari faithful will be hoping to witness the return of the Jeda and another repeat performance at the Stadio Olimpico.


PREDICTION

Given the current league position of the Biancocelesti, they will be desperate to restore some tranquillity and secure maximum points at home for the first time since late August. As the Rossoblu sit on level points with their midweek hosts, the Isolani will be equally motivated to perform a repeat of last season and push the Aquile into even deeper turmoil. With their fans starting to become impatient following the embarrassing defeat to Bari on Sunday, I think Lazio may do just enough to snatch a close victory.

Lazio 1-0 Cagliari

Stefano Federici, Goal.com