[拉齐奥足球新闻]闪亮欧洲
Lazio have Europe in their sights as they aim to maintain their unbeaten home run in the new year with Ascoli first on the agenda for 2006.
The Biancoceleste host Ascoli on Sunday determined to keep up their excellent run at the Stadio Olimpico, where Delio Rossi's men have not been beaten since May.
But the Romans, who are ninth in Serie A, know they must turn around their poor results on the road in 2006 if they wish to achieve their European goal by the end of the season.
With only six of their current 24 points taken away from home, there is plenty of room for improvement.
"We have to continue to work hard and believe in our own strengths," said striker Tommaso Rocchi.
"The important thing is to find more continuity in our performances and on results.
"We are doing well at home but now we have to try and be more brave when we play on the road."
With just three points separating them from sixth-placed Chievo, the Biancoceleste know there is still everything to play for.
"We have to be ready," said Rocchi.
"The Christmas break has allowed us to rest but now we have to fully concentrate on the season.
"This is a very busy time of the campaign because we have games every three days and we have to make sure we succeed."
Lazio welcome back veteran forward Paolo Di Canio, who missed the last league game through suspension following his controversial raised-arm gesture in the fixture with Juventus in December.
However they will be without midfielder Ousmane Dabo who serves a one-match ban
Just like Lazio, Ascoli are also hoping to improve their record away from home.
Ascoli have yet to win away since gaining promotion to the top flight in the summer with only performances at their Del Duca stadium keeping Marco Giampaolo's outfit above the drop zone.
But with a five-point advantage over the bottom three teams, club president Roberto Begnini is nevertheless satisfied with his team's campaign.
"I am happy with our performances and our results so far," he said.
"But in any case I know we must get reinforcements."
Ascoli will be without striker Paul Ramirez and midfielder Abel Aguilar, who have both returned to Udinese, while striker Corrado Colombo has returned to Sampdoria and midfielder Valerio Virga has left the club.
They will also be without defender Cristiano Del Grosso for Sunday's clash, as he serves the first of a two-match ban.
