From a neutral point of view, Lazio’s goalless encounter with Bologna on Monday evening was probably one to forget. Without making too many headlines, coach Vladmir Petkovic seemed content with the point gained, and quickly moves onto prepare for this weekend’s encounter with Inter.
Despite leaving the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with just the single point, Petkovic’s men can remain positive in the fact that another clean sheet was taken.
The Biancoceleste seemed to have put their defensive frailties to bed of late, and Petkovic seems to be working from the back in his quest to reform Lazio’s style of play. The back line has always had its problems, but in contrast to recent years it is proving to be a tough wall to break down.
The return of Stefan Radu at right back has proved to be a vital part of Petkovic’s puzzle so far, adding to that the sturdiness of Giuseppe Biava and the covering Michael Ciani, it seems last seasons defensive issues under Edy Reja are no longer an issue.
The form of Federico Marchetti in goal does nothing but gain him more noticeability each week. Despite some minor injury worries this term, the former Cagliari stopper has made six clean sheets in the eleven Serie A matches he has featured in so far.
Lazio welcome back Abdoulay Konko to the fold on Saturday after overcoming a recent knock, while Miroslav Klose should regain his starting spot in attack, The pair are likely to step into the shoes of Luis Cavanda and Libor Kozak who are both facing bans after featuring against Bologna.
If Lazio are to make any impact on a top three spot this weekend, they must overcome Inter, who themselves are coming off the back of an impressive win against Napoli last weekend.
Forty per cent of Inter’s goals this season have come from the left-hand side, with only 29% coming from the right. Therefore the selection of right back for Lazio could prove to be the key in containing Andrea Stramaccioni’s side. With Cavanda absent, the inclusion of Konko is a pleasing move, but Petkovic will be hopeful the Frenchman will receive added help from Antonio Candreva in a bid to stop Yugi Nagatomo and Antonio Cassano wreaking havoc in Rome on Saturday evening.
Despite questions still remaining as to Petkovic and Lazio’s credentials for the season, Lazio remain unbeaten since early November. Although the Biancoceleste haven’t been setting the league alight with recent performances, continuity is gradual, and it seems Petkovic has put Lazio in a position to finish the year on a high and eventually gain some recognition.
If Lazio can continue their impressive home form against Inter on Saturday, it leaves the Biancoceleste with a winnable fixture away at Sampdoria before the winter break. Six points from these encounters would certainly entitle Petkovic to stamp his authority amongst the top three.
Other than a complete error in judgement from Petkovic against Napoli in the early stages of the season, Lazio always seem to be able to step it up in these ‘bigger encounters’. In front of a big crowd at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday and the return of top goal-scorer Miroslav Klose, the Biancoceleste will be highly confident of taking maximum points, and asserting themselves as contenders for that third and final Champions League spot.
