Lazio vs Cagliari preview - Brocchi reveals Champions League worries
Posted Sunday, March 25, 2012 by PA
Lazio midfielder Christian Brocchi has admitted the Biancoceleste are feeling the heat ahead of Sunday's game against Cagliari.
The Romans followed their 3-1 defeat to Bologna with a 1-0 loss at Catania last time out.
The result left Lazio third in the standings just one point clear of closest rivals Napoli and Udinese with 10 games remaining.
"There is perhaps a bit more pressure than usual for Sunday's game," Brocchi said.
"The loss to Bologna was ugly whereas we played well at Catania but we didn't take anything from the game.
"We are disappointed because for the first time this season we have lost consecutive games.
"We are not going through a good spell but we have no intention of giving up.
"We know we cannot afford any further mistakes and we will continue to battle until the end to hold on to third spot."
The top three teams in Serie A qualify for Champions League football next season but Lazio will have to overcome the absence of the team's top scorer Miroslav Klose.
The German forward has failed to recover from a thigh problem sustained in training this week.
Libor Kozak is set to partner captain Tommaso Rocchi in Lazio's attack.
Lazio coach Edy Reja will have to watch the game from the Stadio Olimpico stands as he serves a one-match touchline ban.
The Romans are also without defender Andre Dias and midfielder Francelino Matuzalem, both suspended.
Fortunately for Lazio, Cagliari have not won on the road since December 4.
However, the Sardinian outfit travels to the Italian capital inspired by their 3-0 triumph over Cesena - their first win since February 11.
The result was Cagliari's eighth win of the campaign and lifted the Rossoblu to 13th place.
Cagliari coach Massimo Ficcadenti will be without defender Michele Cannini, who serves a one-match ban.
Photos
More»
Sizzling pics of Antje Utgaard
Friday November 01 2024
10 gorgeous WAGs who rocked cheeky Halloween looks
Friday November 01 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Como 1 - 5 Lazio
Friday November 01 2024
Your Say