Catania vs Lazio preview - Reja targets fourth-placed finish

Posted Sunday, April 17, 2011 by PA

Lazio coach Edy Reja has urged his players to keep up the good work and focus on strengthening their grip on fourth place in Serie A.

The Romans leapfrogged Udinese in the standings with a 2-0 triumph over Parma last weekend and take on Catania in Sicily.

Lazio, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot, head into the encounter at the Angelo Massimino stadium aware that Udinese face a tougher test when they visit second-place Napoli this weekend.

Lazio are one point clear of Udinese and four points above city rivals Roma with six games remaining.

"We are in contention to achieve something important and everyone must give their contribution," Reja said.

"We are very happy to be back in fourth place and hopefully, we can remain in this position by season's end."

In order for that to happen, Lazio will have to show a vast improvement when playing away from home.

The Biancoceleste have mustered just one win in their last 10 away games while they will also look to halt a three-match losing streak.

"We have struggled to show our best form on the road," Reja said. "But we still have four games away from home left to play and regardless of who we face, we need to give everything."

Lazio can expect a tough battle as Catania are looking to take a big step towards Serie A survival.

The Sicilians have collected 36 points in 32 games and lie in 14th place, five points clear of the drop zone.

Sunday's match will have a special significance for Catania coach Diego Simeone, who as a player spent four seasons at Lazio.

"With Lazio I won everything but the Champions League," Simeone said. "But now I work for Catania and I hope to win this game, that for us, would almost guarantee us Serie A safety."

Lazio will be without suspended defender Matuzalem.