Lazio vs Chievo preview - Lazio want Merry Christmas
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by PA
The month of December has offered plenty of successful moments for Lazio and the Romans will be looking to end it on a high note when they host Chievo on Wednesday night.
Lazio followed their wins against Novara and Lecce with a 2-2 draw against Udinese on Sunday to climb to fourth in the standings.
They lie four points behind Serie A leaders Juventus after 15 games played.
Lazio also qualified for the Europa League knock-out stages after beating Sporting Lisbon 2-0 last week and will meet Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the last 32.
"I'm satisfied with our current form," Lazio coach Edy Reja said. "Perhaps we could have won against Udinese.
"It would have been an important step to overtake them in the standings.
"But I think my team has given everything in what has been a challenging month and I don't have any complaints."
Reja is set to make changes to the side that held Udinese, with defenders Giuseppe Biava, Marius Stankevicius and Abdoulay Konko all returning from injury.
Moreover, midfielder Hernanes and striker Djibril Cisse are set to start against Chievo having rested on Sunday, with strikers Tommaso Rocchi and Giuseppe Sculli doubtful for the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico with minor knocks.
Chievo, meanwhile, eased the pressure on coach Domenico Di Carlo with last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Cagliari.
The outcome marked Chievo's first win since November 20 and lifted the Verona outfit to 11th place.
Di Carlo hopes that result will inspire his side to claim their second win on the road this season.
"This was a crucial win for us," Di Carlo said. "It has given the players a much needed boost in confidence.
"Now we must give continuity to that performance and get a good result in Rome."
Di Carlo will have all of his players available with the exception of injured striker Luca Rigoni.
Photos
More»World's sexiest ice hockey star almost bursts out of dress
Thursday May 15 2025Neymar splashes over 1M pounds on personalised Ferrari family SUV
Thursday May 15 2025
Your Say