In the new 2015 Serie A year, Lazio find themselves in the Champions League qualifying spot. Forza Italian Football brings you a review of all that has happened in Lazio’s renaissance 2014 year.
If you had asked Lazio fans if they’d take third place coming into the Christmas break, they’d have bitten your hand off. The Biancocelesti suffered a woeful start to the campaign, losing three of their first four matches, but have bounced back impressively to sit in the final Champions League qualifying spot ahead of the festive break.
More impressively they’ve done it with a host of new signings coming into the side, and arguably their two most impressive players last season in Ogneyi Onazi and Balde Keita suffering severe ‘second-year syndrome’. The team has arguably improved depth-wise, evident by the fact Lazio are able to demote star striker Miroslav Klose to a bit-part role this season, while still ranking second in the goal-scoring charts.
Transfer Hit & Flop
Stefan De Vrij arrived amid much fanfare and expectations following his brilliant World Cup in the summer. Indeed Lazio pulled off quite the coup in sealing the ex-Feyenoord captain’s signature amidst protracted transfer talks and competition. The Dutchman has been an assured and ever-present figure in the heart of the defence, at times single-handedly holding the rearguard together. What’s more impressive is the fact that De Vrij seemingly has a new partner every game.
Dusan Basta joined from Udinese for a fee of €5.5 million and was expected to fill the problematic right-back position for Lazio. He has found himself sharing the duty with Luis Cavanda however, with Basta struggling to hold down a regular spot. By no means a huge ‘flop’, but Basta has undoubtedly been the worst summer signing for Lazio, taking into account his fee and expectations.
Coach
Stefano Pioli took the reins after Edoardo Reja resigned in June, and has impressed the fans with his approach. Following Lazio’s struggling season last time out, Pioli had a big job on his hands to turn things around and return the club to fighting at the right end of the table.
Despite some murmurs of discontent in the dressing room, and a couple of poor runs of form, Pioli has performed a splendid job, exceeding expectations as his side sit third to end 2014. Pioli has shown no hesitation in exiling fan favourites Cristian Ledesma, Keita and Onazi this season, illustrating his intent to run the side his own way. It’s hard to argue with the results.
Best Goal — Felipe Anderson v Inter
A brilliant solo effort by the under-fire Brazilian doubled Lazio’s advantage to make it 2–0 against Inter in the final match of the calendar year. Receiving the ball just past the halfway line on the left, Anderson set himself on a galloping run cutting inside of Juan Jesus and Andrea Ranocchia, before firing past a hapless Samir Handanovic. A timely reminder of the Brazilian’s talent.
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