Editorial

Goal Lazio: No More Talking, It’s Time To Stand Up And Be Counted

As Lazio moved into the relegation zone last weekend, the Biancocelesti were given a stark wake up to the reality they are now in. Goal.com's Lazio expert Stefano Federici analyses who must act to bring the Aquile back to life...

Nov 26, 2009 1:30:06 PM

Aleksandr Kolarov - Lazio (Getty Images)

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Aleksandr Kolarov - Lazio (Getty Images)

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Lazio

After notching up their 11th successive game without a win following Sunday’s 0-0 stalemate with Napoli, Lazio finally slipped into the drop zone for the first time in decades. As the Biancocelesti sit level on points with the likes of Livorno, Bologna and Atalanta, the Aquile simply have no more room for manoeuvre as they brace themselves for a scrappy relegation dogfight.

Despite showing battle and heart in front of a packed out Stadio San Paolo, the reality of Lazio’s current plight was there for all to see on Sunday afternoon. As Davide Ballardini put 11 men behind the ball, it seems the Formello outfit are already adapting to life at the bottom, as they opted to settle for a point rather than risking for all three.

With the players already having demonstrated an understanding of the murky waters they now find themselves in, it remains to be seen whether the club is ready to take action in order to steady the sinking ship. As coach Ballardini clings on for dear life at the helm of the Biancocelesti, we take a closer look at who should do what for the future good of Rome’s oldest club.

Arguably the most positive sign from Sunday’s umpteenth setback was the surprise inclusion of Guglielmo Stendardo in the heart of the Lazio backline. The Neapolitan, who hadn’t featured for the Aquile in almost two years, was finally given a chance to contribute having sorted his differences with president Claudio Lotito.

Following his public apology earlier this month, the 28 year old centre-half paved a way for his reintegration – a move which seemed almost impossible before now. After marking his first re-appearance in the Lazio jersey with a top-notch performance against his hometown club, Stendardo has proven his potential as a valuable reinforcement, at a time when the transfer window is still firmly closed.

Stendardo Is Back In Service

As the club passes through one of it’s most delicate moments in recent years, it is now time the Lazio hierarchy start taking measures to ease the problems in an already tense environment. Given the way they have handled the issues surrounding the so called ‘rebel’ players in recent months, it is evident Lotito has certainly contributed to the Biancocelesti’s fall from grace since their Supercoppa Italiana triumph in early August.

Following the recent attempts by Cristian Ledesma to re-embrace the Aquile cause, it seems there could be further hope on the horizon for the Lazio faithful. Despite his somewhat stubborn stance over the past few months, there won’t be a better time for Lotito to correct some of his wrongdoings and put his differences with the Argentine behind him.
Given the position Lazio find themselves in at the depths of the standings, this high profile reinforcement could prove significant during such a delicate period in the run-up to the winter break.

With the midfielder finally training with the first team squad on Wednesday, it seems the wheels are starting to turn for Ledesma’s re-introduction into the starting XI. After stating his willingness to sign a new deal with the Biancocelesti, there has been an obvious attempt from the player to try and stitch up relations. However, as Lotito pushes for a Stendardo-like public apology, the fiery chief seems ready to waste precious time at a moment when Lazio cannot afford to play games.

Ledesma Ready To Lend A Hand

As the Biancocelesti brace themselves for a must win encounter with fellow strugglers Bologna on Sunday, it is clear without cohesion the Aquile’s nose-dive will certainly continue all the way to ground zero. With time for talking well and truly exhausted; the club, coach and players have to start rolling their sleeves up.

Following their long-standing 21-year stay in Italy’s top flight, the Biancocelesti must heed their motto of Non Mollare Mai (never give in) - to protect the future of Rome’s oldest club, as it nears its 110th anniversary.

Stefano Federici, Goal.com

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