Lazio vs Catania preview - Maran feeling pressure at Catania

Catania coach Rolando Maran admits he and his players are going through a tough spell as they seek their first win of the season at Lazio on Wednesday night.

The Sicilian outfit have yet to get out of first gear following three defeats in four games and are desperate to stop the rot.

"We are simply not able to give continuity to our performances," Maran said. "This is partly due to the numerous injuries we have had in the past.

"For the first time this season I should be able to have the whole team available and this is a good sign.

"It's obvious that this team can grow.

"But it is clear that our main problem is not scoring."

Catania head into their midweek encounter in Rome on the back of Sunday's goalless draw against Parma.

The result was Catania's first point of the season and left them in 19th place.

Despite the islanders still struggling up front - they have found the net just once this season - Maran believes his side took a step forward at the weekend with respect to their previous performances.

"For the first time this campaign we didn't concede a goal and that is a positive sign," he said. "I think my players produced a good display against Parma."

Rivals Lazio will be looking to bounce back immediately from the weekend derby defeat to city rivals Roma.

Sunday's 2-0 reverse brought an end to Lazio's run of five successive city derbies without defeat and marked their second loss of the campaign.

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic was disappointed with his side's loss and is looking for an immediate reaction.

"It was clear that whoever broke the deadlock would end up winning and unfortunately that turned out to be Roma," he said.

"If we had taken some of our first-half chances, then perhaps the game would have gone differently.

"We must forget about this result and turn the page."

The hosts will be without defender Andre Dias, who serves a one-match ban after being sent off in the derby.