Lazio vs Lecce preview - Dias wants Biancoceleste to bounce back

Posted Sunday, April 22, 2012 by PA

Lazio defender Andre Dias has urged his team-mates to avoid any slip-ups between now and the end of the season as they look to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

The Biancoceleste host relegation-threatened Lecce on Sunday looking to strengthen their grip on third place.

Edy Reja's side have a three-point advantage over nearest challengers Udinese and will be keen to preserve that, as well as make up for their 2-1 loss at Juventus last time out with a win this weekend.

"We cannot afford any further slips if we are to hold on to third place," Dias said.

"We have to give our all in our remaining six games in order to avoid having regrets at the end of the season.

"We have to make the most of our home games and I'm sure we will do well against Lecce."

Lazio have won six of their last seven league games at home but will not take Lecce lightly and for good reason.

The Salentini, coached by Serse Cosmi, have lost just one of their last 11 league games.

Moreover, Lecce have won their last two, including a 2-1 victory at Catania last time out.

Cosmi's men will have an added motivation to come out triumphant in Rome for if results go their way this weekend they could climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this year.

Lecce trail two points behind 17th-place Genoa, who host Siena on Sunday.

"Lazio are having a great campaign but we have only lost against AC Milan in the last 11 weeks," said former Lazio defender Massimo Oddo. "We are doing really well.

"We have to think about getting as many points as possible and not giving up."

The hosts are without midfielder Stefano Mauri and striker Libor Kozak, both of whom are suspended.

Top-scorer Miroslav Klose is still sidelined through injury.