Bologna vs Lazio preview - Reja eyes Lazio response
Posted Sunday, January 23, 2011 by PA
Lazio coach Edy Reja has called on his players to bounce back from the disappointment of their Coppa Italia elimination by taking all three points at Bologna on Sunday.
The Biancoceleste suffered a 2-1 reverse to city rivals Roma in the last 16 of the cup in midweek.
The blow has severely dented the club's dreams of winning silverware this season.
"We really wanted to progress in the Italian Cup," Reja said. "But it didn't go as planned.
"We must now remain united and believe in our strength.
"On Sunday we want to do well.
"It's clear that defeat in a city derby always burns but we are not giving up, we want to do well in the league."
Lazio have not won on the road since October 31 and go into Sunday's match level on 37 points with second-place Napoli after their 1-0 triumph over Sampdoria in the last round.
The Biancoceleste lie four points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan after 20 games.
Bologna, meanwhile, lost 4-1 to Leonardo's Inter at the San Siro last weekend to see their run of three games without defeat come to an end.
Marco Di Vaio has played down the significance of that defeat.
"We must turn the page," Di Vaio said.
"In order to win a game you need to take risks in attack and that is what we did against Inter.
"However, they are a very strong side."
Alberto Malesani's side, who are three points clear of 18th-placed Lecce, also lost 2-1 to Napoli in midweek to crash out of the Coppa Italia.
Bologna have managed to remain clear of the drop zone thanks to the goals of former Italy international Di Vaio.
Di Vaio has found the net 11 times this season for the Rossoblu.
The veteran striker is determined to increase that tally and help Bologna avoid the drop.
"I feel like I'm in top condition to play and I have to thank my team-mates for that," he said. "I want to help my team defend its Serie A status, which is no easy task."
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