Catania vs Lazio preview - Catania target Lazio scalp

Posted Saturday, February 15, 2014 by PA

Relegation-threatened Catania are in need of a victory heading into Sunday's home game against Lazio.

The Sicilians have drawn three straight games and are at the foot of Serie A but just two points below safety.

Catania's last league triumph was on January 6 and coach Rolando Maran admitted: "We have obtained continuity in results but in order to break the ice, we need to return to winning ways.

"The team has shown great determination since the start of the year but in order to get a victory, we need to play the perfect game."

Maran's men have the weakest attacking line in the competition alongside Chievo with 16 goals scored in 23 games.

They also have the third worst defence with 40 goals conceded.

"We have shown some improvement in our recent games and we are on the right path" Catania defender Alexis Rolin said.

"Lazio are a strong team but we will have to give our all to get a result."

Rivals Lazio travel to the Massimino stadium unbeaten under coach Edy Reja.

Reja replaced Vladimir Petkovic at the helm of the Biancoceleste last month and the Roman outfit have quickly found their stride under the Slovenian-born tactician.

Last Sunday's goalless draw against Roma in the Eternal City derby followed their 2-0 triumph at Chievo and extended Lazio's unbeaten run to six games.

"In the first half of the season, the team lacked motivation," Lazio president Claudio Lotito said.

"Since we made the coaching change, the team has recovered its hunger.

"There are still many games left to play and I'm confident Lazio can do well."

The Biancoceleste are ninth in the standings, four points behind Inter Milan, who hold the last European qualifying spot.