After collecting only one point in their last four games, Livorno will no doubt be looking forward to a much needed pause in two weeks time. However, the Amaranto still have to play Lazio and then Udinese before the Christmas break.
Davide Nicola and his men did manage to stop the slide of three consecutive defeats last weekend after drawing 2-2 with AC Milan, in a game they came close to winning until Mario Balotelli’s incredible free-kick just ten minutes from time gave the Rossoneri an undeserved point.
Nicola is supposedly still on thin ice despite a good performance against Milan and the next two games could have a big say in his future.
As aforementioned, first up before the break is a trip to Rome to face a struggling Lazio side, who are also supposedly close to sacking their coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Le Aquile haven’t won a league game since the 27th of October when they defeated Cagliari 2-0. Despite being the away side, Nicola will no doubt be targeting this as a potential upset.
The defense is without doubt the soft spot in this Lazio team and top-scorer Paulinho will be looking t0 add to his goal-scoring tally for the season. The striking partnership being struck up between Luca Siligardi and Paulinho also looks to have real promise with both players linking up-well in the game against Milan and most importantly they both got their name on the score-sheet, including a brilliant solo goal from the ex-Inter man Siligardi.
Siligardi seems to be a better option than Innocent Emeghara, who despite his ability, tends to drift in and out of games. The former Nerazzurri man however, has proven to be a much better link between the midfield and attack, also allowing Paulinho to play higher up the pitch and put more pressure on the defense without having to worry about defending.
However, this does create a slight dilemma for Nicola; that dilemma being, where does all this leave Emeghara’s future in a Livorno shirt? The Swiss international will certainly not be happy as a squad player or being second in line behind Siligardi. This is certainly one of many things for Nicola to think about as he enjoys his Christmas holidays.
The winter transfer window is also fast approaching and it will be interesting to see if the Amaranto will be busy in the January mercato or if they feel they have enough at their disposal.
If they do decide to dip into the transfer market a proven goal-scorer will no doubt be top of the list. Despite good performances from Siligardi and Paulinho neither are clinical enough in front of goal and this has came back to bite them on the backside on countless occasions this season. Another center back could also be in order for the Amaranto to try and shore up their relatively leaky defensive line. If they do decide to make any moves in the transfer window it will most likely be loan moves.
The Amaranto may be sitting third bottom but all-in-all it’s not looking too bad for Nicola and his men in the lead-up to the Christmas. Many people feared the worst before the season and had them relegated by this stage in the season. Instead they are still alive and kicking and two good results before the break could see them shoot-up to mid-table depending on other results.
The upcoming break will be a good time for Nicola and the squad to reflect on the season so far and get some much needed rest before continuing on their fight for Serie A survival.
