Lotito: Destiny is in our hands

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has urged his players to treat each game as a final if they are to win the race for third spot and a Champions League berth - starting with the trip to Parma.

The Biancoceleste are currently third in the Serie A standings, three points clear of closest rivals Napoli and Udinese with nine games remaining.

"Destiny is in our hands," Lotito said. "It will be important to take it one game at a time with the right mentality as if they were all finals.

"We face a difficult calendar ahead and we need to be ready.

"The team needs to give their all in order to do well in this final stage of the season."

Lazio face an challenging month of April with games against Champions League hopefuls Napoli, Juventus and Udinese.

"I am convinced that if my team shows its true potential then we can beat any rival," Lotito said.

Lazio can expect a battle at the Tardini stadium against a Parma side that is in desperate need of points.

The Ducale club has not won a game since February 5.

Last weekend's 2-2 draw at bottom side Cesena left Parma in 17th position, five points clear of the drop zone.

"We need to get a result against Lazio," said Parma midfielder Daniele Galloppa. "Against the top teams we have had good performances this season.

"We are not going through a good spell right now and we are the first to be disappointed.

"To look at our position in the standings can be rather depressing but we are not giving up."

Parma coach Roberto Donadoni will have all of his players available.

With the team's top scorer Miroslav Klose still sidelined through injury, Lazio coach Edy Reja is set to field captain Tommaso Rocchi alongside Emiliano Alfaro in attack.