Lazio vs Fiorentina preview - Confusion reigns around Reja

Lazio host Fiorentina on Sunday night with the future of coach Edy Reja still up in the air.

Reja, whose side bowed out of the Europa League competition on Thursday following a 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, presented his resignation earlier this week.

The Biancoceleste have yet to confirm if they will accept Reja's decision, with the 66-year-old tactician tied to the club contractually until the summer, although the club have called a press conference for Saturday evening.

Reja did guide Saturday's training session and said: "Until I am notified by the club, I will continue to coach the team as a sign of respect for my players and for the fans."

Reja, who joined Lazio in February 2010 as a replacement for Davide Ballardini, has seen his relationship with Lazio president Claudio Lotito and club sporting director Ighli Tare deteriorate in recent months.

The Romans have suffered an injury crisis of late and the club's decision not to bring reinforcements in the winter transfer market left Reja disappointed.

Lazio were without eight players through injuries or suspension and conceded five goals for the first time this season in Sunday's 5-1 league loss at Palermo.

The result dropped Lazio to fourth in the standings, level on 42 points with Udinese, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

The Romans will again be without a host of players for Sunday's game at the Stadio Olimpico.

Defender Marius Stankevicius, midfielders Christian Brocchi and Lorik Cana as well as striker Tommaso Rocchi are out injured.

Moreover, defender Andre Dias and midfielder Francelino Matuzalem must both serve a one-match ban.

The only consolation for the hosts is that defenders Mobido Diakite and Abdoulay Konko return from suspension.

Rivals Fiorentina travel to Rome looking for only their second win on the road this season.

The Viola conceded their ninth defeat of the campaign in Tuesday's 2-0 loss at Bologna.

The result followed their 3-0 setback against Napoli and dropped the Tuscan outfit to 12th place

Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi has demanded a drastic improvement from his players against his former team.

Rossi guided Lazio for four years before joining Palermo in 2009.

"We need to have the right mentality to take home three valuable points," he said. "I want my players to be more ruthless up front and make the most of our chances."

Fiorentina have failed to score in their last two league games.

The visitors are without defenders Mattia Cassani and Alessandro Gamberini as well as midfielder Ruben Olivera, all suspended.