Lazio vs Palermo preview - Cisse wants Lazio consistency

Posted Sunday, September 25, 2011 by PA

Lazio striker Djibril Cisse has urged his team-mates to keep up the good work shown in Wednesday's much-welcomed win over Cesena when they take on Palermo.

The Romans were beaten 2-1 at home by Genoa last weekend but bounced back from that loss with a three-point haul at Cesena, recovering from an early deficit to take the spoils following goals from Hernanes and Miroslav Klose.

Edy Reja's men will now hope to build on that win, Lazio's first of the campaign, when they welcome Palermo to the Stadio Olimpico.

"We played a good game in Cesena and we were able to bring home three important points," Cisse said. "We must continue on this path."

Victory brought some relief to Lazio following a turbulent week at the club.

Reja considered resigning because of pressure from the fans after his team's slow start to the campaign.

"Reja is a good person," Cisse said. "He gives everything in his job and it was important to win at Cesena in order to unite the Lazio family.

"At this time we must remain united, especially considering the ugly week we have experienced."

Palermo go into the encounter inspired by their midweek 3-2 triumph over Cagliari.

The Sicilians showed a vast improvement with respect to their 1-0 loss at Atalanta three days earlier, although they suffered a late scare when Cagliari pulled two goals back in the final six minutes after trailing 3-0.

"I was interested to see how my players would react after the defeat in Bergamo and I was pleased with their performance," Palermo coach Devis Mangia said.

"It's true that Cagliari came close to a comeback, but you can't forget that we dominated that game for 80 minutes."

The visitors are hoping to recover Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah after he sustained a head injury in midweek although he remains a doubt, while Edgar Alvarez is still out with a muscular problem.