And we’re back! Lazio-Parma preview

By: Francesco | November 23rd, 2007

So after what feels like an eternity (during which Italy beat Scotland in Glasgow to get to Euro 2008, and England were eliminated by Croatia) Serie A is back in action. After the tragedy of 2 weeks ago, Lazio are back on the pitch to take on our beloved Gialloblu’ at the Stadio Olimpico. More on the game after the jump.

Parma also had 3 players away during the break, defender Marco Rossi, and midfielders Daniele Dessena and Luca Cigarini, who were all with the Azzurrini. Marco Rossi got injured in training, which would’ve meant crisis at the back for Parma but Fernando Couto returns from suspension to start at the back for his former side. Dessena scored in the 5-0 rout of Azerbaijan U21 but had to sit out the game against the Faroe Islands U21 due to yellow card accumulation. Luca Cigarini played 90 minutes in both matches, and once again showed why he is such a valued young talent. Although he didn’t score, he is the one that gets things started for the Azzurrini side.

The game against Lazio is also special for striker Bernardo Corradi. After impressing in Chievo’s miracle 2001-2002 season, the big striker, who was owned by Inter, was brought back for pre-season training with the Nerazzurri, and played only one friendly game in an Inter jersey before being used as trade bait for Lazio (and former Parma hero) striker Hernan Crespo. At Lazio he quickly came into the spotlight and scored goals, and put his abilities on display, in particular his excellent heading ability. He then went on to become capped by Trapattoni (and even went to Euro 2004 and played a game!). Then Lazio needed money and sent him and Stefano Fiore to Valencia, he didn’t have the best of times, and was loaned to Parma first, then Man City, and now he’s with us again. So hopefully he will try to impress his former club and score a goal (or two, three would be nice).

Lazio of course did not play the last round, as their match with Inter was suspended. However the match before that they lost to Fiorentina, thanks to a blunder by Cribari and Grandpa Ballotta, who gifted Pazzini a goal. They will be motivated to win at home in honor of Gabriele Sandri and combine that with our terrible away record, and you may think we don’t have a chance.

We will give them a tough match however. And if Corradi can get good service from Pisanu and Reginaldo and Gasbarroni (most probably only 2 out of the 3 will start), and Cigarini can pull the strings in the center, with Dessena and Morrone stopping Lazio’s midfield from creating, we have a chance. Suspended are Domenico Morfeo (for the fight with Chiellini), and Ferdinand Coly (sent off in the game vs. Juve).

Probable XI’s

Lazio: Ballotta; Behrami, Stendardo, Cribari, Zauri; Firmani, Ledesma, Manfredini; Meghni; Rocchi, Pandev

Parma: Pavarini; Zenoni, Falcone, Couto, Castellini; Dessena, Morrone, Cigarini; Reginaldo, Pisanu; Corradi

Lazio-Parma always reminds me of Parma-Lazio in 1998/1999, when Roberto Mancini scored one of the greatest goals ever in Serie A. I remember watching it on TV. Although I really dislike Mancini, it truly is a joy to watch. Enjoy it: