Di Canio rallies the troops
Posted 4 Nov '05, 23:26 PM
Paolo Di Canio and Delio Rossi believe that only an aggressive Lazio performance can get the better of Inter on Saturday evening.
“It will be a battle and we must play with rage and aggression if we are to get a result,” said the talismanic veteran.
Di Canio will not be able to take part in the Stadio Olimpico clash, as a calf strain has ruled him out until mid-December, but he will be providing moral support. The Biancocelesti have won four of their home games this season and only dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Chievo.
“Nobody is the favourite when they come to the Olimpico to face Lazio – not even Brazil! We also need to bring out our rage, as we are angry with ourselves for losing at Reggina last week. We lost to a team that is inferior to us.”
Coach Rossi was slightly less fiery in his pre-match comments, but shared much the same belief that Inter will need to fight hard in order to get a result in the capital.
“We need to answer our critics on the pitch, not off it,” said the tactician. “I have some important players sidelined by injury, but I am not accustomed to whingeing. I hope everyone will make an impact on this game.”
Fabio Liverani is also out of action for six weeks after keyhole surgery on the meniscus ligament in his right knee, so he could be back for the big match with Juventus on December 18. Former Inter goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi is on track to recover in time for Saturday’s clash, while Simone Inzaghi is expected to partner Tommaso Rocchi upfront.
Inter also have Juan Sebastian Veron suspended and Adriano struggling to find his form, but Rossi doesn’t believe it’s a weakened side.
“Veron is replaced by David Pizarro, who is hardly a newcomer to the top flight. As for Adriano, true champions can make the decisive play even when they’re not doing well. It can be a free kick or a sudden burst of pace. This is what sets them apart from the rest.”
Lazio squad: 32) Ballotta, 3) Baronio, 7) Belleri, 85) Behrami, 10) Cesar, 25) Cribari, 6) Dabo, 4) Firmani, 16) Giallombardo, 21) Inzaghi, 31) Keller, 68) Manfredini, 22) Oddo, 19) Pandev, 1) Peruzzi, 18) Rocchi, 13) Siviglia, 2) Stendardo, 17) Tare, 8) Zauri.
(Channel 4)
