http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sep15b.html
Rossi wants home advantage Saturday 15 September, 2007
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Lazio face an injury crisis ahead of two crucial games with Empoli and
Olympiakos, but Delio Rossi is determined to end his Olimpico taboo.
The Biancocelesti have not won on home turf yet this season, having been held
to draws by Dinamo Bucharest and Torino.
“The day when we drew 2-2 with Torino, our minds were not really on that
match, as we were going to gamble with everything in Bucharest a few days
later,” confessed the Coach, referring to that Champions League qualifier.
“That is not the situation now. We have to focus on this game and getting t
he points, otherwise we will struggle wherever we go.”
There are other problems to contend with, as Rossi has precious little
opportunity to rest stars for Europe when he is facing an injury crisis.
Lazio are without Mobido Diakhite, Fabio Firmani, Stefano Mauri and
Sebastiano Siviglia, while Guglielmo Stendardo and Emilson Cribari grit their
teeth to play.
Valon Behrami again takes the right-back role to fill in the gaps, while
Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is to receive his Serie A debut against
Empoli.
“Behrami can play anywhere, as he is an eclectic figure. I see him more as a
right-back in our system, but the important thing is that he is there to help
us out.”
The Press Conference turned sour when journalists asked about the shot-stopper
’s role in 2008, when Juan Pablo Carrizo is expected to finally complete his
transfer.
“Everyone keeps talking about January, but right now this is our squad and
Muslera is our goalkeeper,” snapped Rossi.
“Carrizo is in Argentina and I have never seen him. If Lazio chose Muslera,
it is because he has quality.”
Carrizo was all set to make the move this summer, but it collapsed at the
last minute when there were delays in securing his EC passport.
Muslera is only 21 years old, but he is pushing veteran Marco Ballotta – who
is 43 and the oldest player ever to appear in Serie A – on to the bench for
this match.
“Ballotta gives real guarantees and is very cool-headed. I will decide who
plays based on the situation as it comes, but I will have to draw up some
kind of hierarchy.”
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