US Sassuolo Calcio vs Lazio preview - Candreva fitness boost for Lazio

Posted Saturday, February 28, 2015 by PA

Lazio have been boosted by the news Antonio Candreva is fit for Sunday's trip to Sassuolo.

Candreva scored the winner in last weekend's 2-1 triumph over Palermo, but hurt his right knee when he slid awkwardly into the perimeter fence while celebrating the goal.

The Italy international limped off injured, but tests done this week have ruled out serious damage and the 27-year-old midfielder is set to start at Sassuolo.

"Fortunately it's nothing serious," Lazio coach Stefano Pioli told the Italian media when asked about Candreva. "He just wanted to celebrate the goal with the fans."

Candreva has scored four goals and set up seven more in 21 league appearances to help Lazio remain in contention for Champions League football next season.

The victory over Palermo which followed their 1-0 triumph at Udinese lifted Lazio to fourth place, five points adrift of third-placed Napoli in the final Champions League qualifying spot.

"We know that the season is still very long and difficult," Pioli said. "And that our rivals are very strong.

"We will have to suffer a lot in order to return to play in Europe."

Monday's 2-0 defeat at Napoli was Sassuolo's second straight loss and dropped the Emilia-Romagna outfit to 12th place, nine points clear of the drop zone.

"We still have some work to do to secure our Serie A status," Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco said. "We put in a good performance against Napoli and we need to keep working hard in order to get back to winning ways."

Sassuolo will not be at full strength with four players out injured, while midfielder Francesco Magnanelli serves a one-match ban .

Lazio will be bolstered by the return of Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson from suspension.