Atalanta vs Lazio preview - Petkovic looking to convince fanbase

Vladimir Petkovic is eager to play down the perceived lack of squad renovation over the summer as Lazio travel to face Atalanta in Serie A.

The Bosnian replaced Edy Reja as coach at the Stadio Olimpico after the Biancocelesti came off worst in the scrap with Udinese for third place.

A vocal fanbase demanded wholesale changes to both the playing personnel and the tactical approach, but the low-key additions of Antonio Candreva and Ederson, coupled with a series of lacklustre pre-season performances, have done little to pacify the blue half of Rome.

Petkovic said: "The system is not as important as you think it is.

"I think it's important to adapt and keep things variable, as that can be a key asset for our side.

"The system is not as precious as the idea of football.

"The important thing is that Hernanes is central to the play, as when he is on form then he can make the difference.

"It is not true that we play with only Miroslav Klose as striker. I want three or four players attacking.

"I demand greater vivacity in midfield and players who push forward, with or without the ball."

Atalanta start the new campaign with a two-point deduction for their role in the Calcioscommesse match-fixing scandal, but after overcoming a six-point penalty to narrowly miss out on a top-half finish last season, boss Stefan Colantuono can be optimistic.

German Denis led the scoring charts in Bergamo with 16 goals and his loan move from Udinese has been made permanent.

Guglielmo Stendardo will miss the chance to face his former employers because he was red carded against them in May, but the Orobici could hand a start to Davide Biondini with fellow midfielder Luca Cigarini also back from injury.