Lazio’s Matuzalem banned four games, Lucio misses derby

ROME, March 21 (Reuters) - Lazio’s hopes of snatching Serie A’s final Champions League qualifying spot suffered a blow on Monday when midfielder Matuzalem was banned for four games.

The Brazilian was booked in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Cesena, triggering a one-game ban, but Serie A said in a statement he would receive a further three-match suspension after television replays showed he punched Antonio Jimenez off the ball.

With eight games left, fifth-placed Lazio are two points behind Udinese in the fourth Champions League qualifying spot.

Serie A’s statement also confirmed Inter Milan centre back Lucio would miss the potential title-deciding derby against AC Milan on April 2 because of a yellow card received in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Lecce.