Founded: 1900
Nickname(s): Biancocelesti, Le Aquile, Aquilotti
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico Roma (72,700)
Chairman: Claudio Lotito
Coach: Delio Rossi
Website: http://www.sslazio.it/cms/view

Colours:



Honours:

Serie A: 1973-74, 1999-00
Coppa Italia: 1957-58, 1997–98, 1999–00, 2003–04, 2008-09
SuperCoppa Italiana: 1998, 2000, 2009
Serie B: 1968-69
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1998-99
UEFA Super Cup: 1999
Coppa Delle Alpi: 1971

Squad:

1 Albano Bizzarri
12 Tommaso Berni
86 Fernando Muslera
99 Alessandro Birardi
xx Federico Marchetti

3 André Dias
5 Lionel Scaloni
13 Guglielmo Stendardo
14 Javier Garrido
20 Giuseppe Biava
21 Mobido Diakité
25 Emílson Sánchez Cribari
26 Ştefan Radu
39 Luis Pedro Cavanda
52 Alessio Luciani
79 Riccardo Bonetto
xx Ivan Artipoli
xx Abdoulay Konko
xx Senad Lulić
xx Luis Pedro Cavanda

4 Fabio Firmani
6 Stefano Mauri
8 Anderson "Hernanes" de Carvalho Viana Lima
15 Álvaro Rafael González Luengo
16 Riccardo Perpetuini
17 Pasquale Foggia
23 Mourad Meghni
24 Cristian Ledesma
30 Matuzalém Da Silva Francelino
32 Cristian Brocchi
42 Federico Sevieri
55 Lucas Correa
68 Christian José Manfredini Sisostri
80 Mark Bresciano
81 Simone Del Nero
xx Alberto Quadri
xx Lorik Cana

7 Gonzalo Barreto Mastropierro
9 Tommaso Rocchi
10 Mauro Matias Zaraté
18 Libor Kozák
22 Sergio Floccari
56 Lorenzo Cinque
91 Alessandro Di Mario
xx Miroslav Klose
xx Djibril Cisse

great club, no matter what the Roma fans say

To right wing for me liking

Oh they'd love you up in the curva Spud, you'd feel right at home

Um? Give it a miss i think

Report: Lazio keep Zarate for £16m



Lazio President Claudio Lotito is reportedly in Qatar finalising details of Mauro Zarate’s £16m permanent move.

The Argentine striker joined on loan from Al-Sadd last summer and has proved to be a hit in Serie A, scoring 13 goals including those in the Rome derby and Coppa Italia semi-final.

Zarate has repeatedly warned time is running out to make the move permanent and he could look elsewhere.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Lotito is currently in Doha to discuss the final details of the transfer, which will be worth £16m to be paid over two years.

This takes the total cost of signing Zarate to almost £20m, as the cost of his loan for one season was £3.6m.

The 21-year-old becomes by far the biggest buy of the Lotito era at Lazio and takes a commanding role in the future of the squad.

He started his career at Velez Sarsfield before joining Al-Sadd, where he remained for only six months. Zarate had loan spells at Birmingham City and Lazio.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr25f.html

-------------------------

If they can sign Zaraté permanently and also keep hold of Pandev then that trio that also includes Rocchi is one of the best attacking threats in Serie A and I can see Lazio only getting stronger. It seems that there is now money available to the coach and provided they can also keep Ledesma or replace him and add more quality to the centre of defence then they have a chance at CL qualification next season.

Merda

It looks like Al-Sadd are bumping up the price every time Lazio try to negotiate. Zaraté is a good player but he isn't worth more than £16m-£18m, and surely Lazio can't afford much more.

Serie A Week 35 - 9/5/09 (19.30 UK)

Lazio 1 - 3 Udinese

Rocchi 56 (L), Floro Flores 60 (U), D'Agostino 69 (U), Quagliarella pen 86 (U)

Stadio Olimpico

Udinese celebrated their fifth consecutive victory by conquering Lazio 3-1 with Gaetano D'Agostino's magnificent free kick.

The Biancocelesti were focused on Wednesday's Coppa Italia Final, but did not rest too many players. Francelino Matuzalem is suspended for that tie, so he started in place of the banned Cristian Ledesma. Udinese, playing in an all-yellow strip, were on stunning form and targeting a fifth win on the trot.

In the opening couple of minutes Nando Muslera had his gloves stung by a Fabio Quagliarella free kick from 30 metres, while Samir Handanovic palmed away a Simone Del Nero snapshot.

Alexis Sanchez had a shot charged down in the box after springing the offside trap on a searching Gaetano D'Agostino pass, while Quagliarella drilled just wide of the near post.

Sanchez had a decent penalty shout turned away when he was dragged back by Lorenzo De Silvestri, but the referee waved play on after half-an-hour.

There was chaos in the Udinese box before the break, as Tommaso Rocchi's cut-back slipped past everyone and Del Nero was not quick enough to tap in Handanovic's spill.

Mauricio Isla's turn and volley whistled just wide of the upright, but De Silvestri suffered an ankle problem and was replaced for the second half by Cristian Brocchi.

Mauro Zarate's free kick was deflected wide off the defensive wall and Lazio were clearly improving after the break.

Rocchi broke the deadlock with a cracking right-foot finish. He had his back to goal in the D when Zarate rolled the ball across, so he spun round and smacked a screamer into the top corner.

Ousmane Dabo charged down a Quagliarella angled drive in the box, but Antonio Floro Flores equalised with another splendid strike. The Neapolitan had only been on the field for 90 seconds when he smashed a daisy-cutter from the edge of the box that settled into the bottom near corner.

Zarate's free kick shaved a coat of paint off the woodwork with Handanovic rooted to the spot and Matuzalem blasted a powerful effort over the bar.

Zarate unleashed a screamer from 30 metres that stung Handanovic's palms, but it was Udinese who turned the game around completely. D'Agostino - familiar to this stadium as a Roma youth product - curled a fantastic left-footed free kick that ricocheted off the inside of the near post and settled into the far end of the net. Muslera had no chance stopping that one.

Rocchi's effort was wide, but Muslera had to get down and palm another D'Agostino strike round the base of the upright.

Udinese would have been 3-1 up on 80 minutes when Simone Pepe chipped Muslera to complete a classic counter-attack, but Sebastiano Siviglia got back for a crucial goalline clearance.

Zarate continued to threaten with those trademark free kicks, another landing on the roof of the net.

However, on the counter Siviglia wrestled Floro Flores to the ground and was booked rather than given a straight red, as the Udinese striker was moving towards the byline rather than heading for goal. Quagliarella stepped up, although curiously the penalty was postponed so Udinese could make a substitution. The Italian international didn't let it affect his concentration, firing high and strong at the near post.

Brocchi had been booked for dissent during that incident and he continued his protests after the penalty, earning a second yellow.

Quagliarella so nearly made it 4-1 in the final minute, as Muslera was utterly stranded by a cheeky chip that crashed off the crossbar.

Lazio: Muslera; De Silvestri (Brocchi 46), Siviglia, Rozehnal, Radu; Lichtsteiner, Dabo (Meghni 70), Matuzalem, Del Nero (Mauri 66); Zarate, Rocchi

Udinese: Handanovic; Isla, Zapata, Domizzi, Pasquale (Lukovic 86); Inler, D'Agostino, Asamoah; Pepe, Quagliarella, Sanchez (Floro Flores 58)

Ref: Stefanini

Sent off: Brocchi 87 (L)

Coppa: Lazio triumph in shoot-out



Mauro Zarate and Giampaolo Pazzini scored great goals, but it took sudden death penalties for Lazio to beat Sampdoria and lift the Coppa Italia.

This was not just the chance to take some silverware, but also the only opportunity for both clubs to qualify for the Europa League after disappointing Serie A campaigns. It was Samp's first Final for 15 years, while the Biancocelesti had the home advantage as the Final had already been assigned to Rome's Stadio Olimpico, but at least 18,000 supporters travelled from Genoa.

Goran Pandev returned from injury to start and defend his Capocannoniere status with five goals in the tournament so far, but Francelino Matuzalem was suspended.

It took just four minutes for Lazio to break the deadlock with a Mauro Zarate blockbuster. Samp were furious as Giampaolo Pazzini was down injured in the centre circle, but the move continued and Zarate cut in past Hugo Campagnaro to smash a right-foot curler into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Pasquale Foggia was booked for shoving Campagnaro after a free kick had been awarded, but the Sampdoria player might've lashed out an elbow during the incident too. Pazzini's volley was well over, but he had penalty appeals for a tussle with Sebastiano Siviglia.

There was chaos on 19 minutes when Nando Muslera came flying out of the area and missed the ball, but Pazzini was unable to take advantage as he was penalised for shoving Aleksandr Kolarov.

Luca Castellazzi needed a stunning double save to prevent a second goal, as he beat away a Kolarov missile from 25 metres, then reacted to parry Pandev's follow-up from point-blank range. It proved decisive, as Pazzini equalised for Sampdoria soon after. Cassano's cross was nodded into the centre by Marius Stankevicius and Pazzini wasted no time flicking the ball in with a looping header.

Just before the break Cassano stung Muslera's palms with a remarkably fierce free kick. 48 seconds after the restart Cassano's cross-shot forced a desperate goalline clearance out of Stevan Lichtsteiner.

Zarate threatened too, but could not get enough of a touch to Foggia's smart roll across thanks to Accardi's challenge in the six-yard box. Stefano Lucchini charged down a Pandev spin after great build-up work from Zarate, while Foggia volleyed Pandev's lobbed cross over from close range.

Lichtsteiner's ball flashed across the face of goal with substitute Tommaso Rocchi just unable to get the final touch. Nothing could separate the teams after 90 minutes, so the tie went to extra time.

Ousmane Dabo and Cassano blazed over from distance, while a Kolarov free kick landed on the roof of the net. Kolarov was lucky not to give away a free kick just outside the box for a high tackle on Daniele Dessena, but the referee waved play on.

Sampdoria went so close to a winner in the second half of extra time, as Cassano rode two tackles on the buline to roll across for Pazzini, but Lorenzo De Silvestri got there to prevent a certain goal.

There was controversy five minutes from the end when Stankevicius seemed to connect with Lichtsteiner in the box, but the referee waved play on, much to Delio Rossi's fury. Both tacticians were going mad on the touchline and straying on to the pitch, but the Coppa Italia Final will be decided on penalties. The last time this happened was 28 years ago.

Cassano stepped up first and Muslera saved low to his right. Cristian Ledesma buried under the bar to put Lazio in front straight away. Samp captain Angelo Palombo scored despite Muslera guessing the right angle again, but Rocchi hit the inside of the post to level it.

Pazzini and Rozehnal converted with confidence, while Gastaldello's kick squirmed beneath Muslera's body. Kolarov powered low into the near corner and Accardi lifted over the goalkeeper. Zarate had to score to keep it going and did so with a powerful shot under the bar.

The spot-kicks went to sudden death as Gennaro Delvecchio scored despite Muslera getting a hand to it. Lichtsteiner sent Castellazzi the wrong way.

Campagnaro's kick was saved by Muslera with one strong hand, so it was all down to Dabo. The Lazio midfielder stepped up in front of 70,000 people and scored low in the near corner to give the Biancocelesti the Coppa Italia.

Lazio 1-1 Sampdoria aet

Scorers: Zarate 4 (L), Pazzini 31 (S)

Penalties: Cassano saved (S), Ledesma goal (L), Palombo goal (S), Rocchi post (L), Pazzini goal (S), Rozehnal goal (L), Gastaldello goal (S), Kolarov goal (L), Accardi goal (S), Zarate goal (L), Delvecchio goal (S), Lichtsteiner goal (L), Campagnaro saved (S), Dabo goal (L)

Lazio: Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Rozehnal, Kolarov; Brocchi (De Silvestri 103), Dabo, Ledesma, Foggia (Del Nero 80); Zarate, Pandev (Rocchi 73)

Sampdoria: Castellazzi; Campagnaro, Lucchini (Gastaldello 96), Accardi; Stankevicius, Sammarco (Dessena 90), Palombo, Franceschini (Delvecchio 87), Pieri; Pazzini, Cassano

Ref: Rosetti

Serie A Week 37 - 20/5/09 (18.30 UK)

Lazio 1 - 0 Reggina

Zarate 26 (L)

Stadio Olimpico

Mauro Zarate's goal has doomed Reggina to Serie B in an Olimpico game brought forward by UEFA. They can no longer catch Torino and even if they do finish level with Bologna, have a worse head-to-head record.

This game was played on Wednesday evening so that UEFA could prepare the Stadio Olimpico for the Champions League Final and ensure the pitch is in the best condition.

The Amaranto needed a miracle to avoid relegation, while Lazio had nothing more to play for after winning the Coppa Italia. Cristian Brocchi was suspended for the home side.

Reggina had the first opportunity four minutes in when Franco Brienza's left-foot shot tested Juan Pablo Carrizo, but the Biancocelesti hit the back of the net only to see Lichtsteiner's volley ruled slightly offside.

Carrizo has been dropped this season in favour of Nando Muslera, but impressed on 23 minutes. Lorenzo De Silvestri's error sent Carmona clear and the goalkeeper flew to palm the curler round the far post.

It proved decisive, as soon after Lazio took the lead. Zarate cut in from the right to gather a splendid searching Ousmane Dabo pass and was at full stretch to anticipate the on-rushing Christian Puggioni and Bruno Cirillo. It was his 16th goal of the season in all competition, the 13th in Serie A.

Goran Pandev almost got a second, but Brienza really should've equalised. He ran on to Ciccio Cozza's pass and went round Carrizo, but by that point the angle had narrowed too much and he failed to score.

Moments later it was Pandev's turn to waste a golden opportunity on the counter-attack, as he drew the goalkeeper forward only to lob wide of an open goal.

Bernardo Corradi came on against his former club for the second half, as Reggina were toothless in attack and seemed to be lacking belief they could turn this around. Corradi's daisy-cutter was charged down from a corner and Aleksandr Kolarov's free kick whistled over.

On 63 minutes Brienza went on a slalom through four players in the Lazio box before he was eventually muscled off the ball and Cozza drilled the follow-up wide.

Puggioni blocked a fierce Kolarov free kick and later did well to pluck the ball off Pandev's foot. Brienza turned over from a tight angle when he perhaps should've passed to Corradi instead.

There was one last scare in stoppages as Corradi knocked down the ball for a low Brienza volley, bringing a tough one-handed save out of Carrizo. Mobido Diakhite' got a toe to Fabio Ceravolo's effort to turn it out for a corner, but it was too little, too late for Reggina.

Lazio: Carrizo; Rozehnal, Lichtsteiner, Dabo (Meghni 58), De Silvestri; Diakite, Kolarov, Foggia (Mendicino 48), Ledesma; Zarate (Kozak 65), Pandev

Reggina: Puggioni; Lanzaro, Cirillo, Valdez; Vigiani (Ceravolo 55), Barreto, Carmona, Barillà, Costa (Corradi 51); Cozza (Adejo 66), Brienza

Ref: Gervasoni

Serie A Week 37 - 20/5/09 (18.30 UK)

Lazio 1 - 0 Reggina

Zarate 26 (L)

Stadio Olimpico

Mauro Zarate's goal has doomed Reggina to Serie B in an Olimpico game brought forward by UEFA. They can no longer catch Torino and even if they do finish level with Bologna, have a worse head-to-head record.

This game was played on Wednesday evening so that UEFA could prepare the Stadio Olimpico for the Champions League Final and ensure the pitch is in the best condition.

The Amaranto needed a miracle to avoid relegation, while Lazio had nothing more to play for after winning the Coppa Italia. Cristian Brocchi was suspended for the home side.

Reggina had the first opportunity four minutes in when Franco Brienza's left-foot shot tested Juan Pablo Carrizo, but the Biancocelesti hit the back of the net only to see Lichtsteiner's volley ruled slightly offside.

Carrizo has been dropped this season in favour of Nando Muslera, but impressed on 23 minutes. Lorenzo De Silvestri's error sent Carmona clear and the goalkeeper flew to palm the curler round the far post.

It proved decisive, as soon after Lazio took the lead. Zarate cut in from the right to gather a splendid searching Ousmane Dabo pass and was at full stretch to anticipate the on-rushing Christian Puggioni and Bruno Cirillo. It was his 16th goal of the season in all competition, the 13th in Serie A.

Goran Pandev almost got a second, but Brienza really should've equalised. He ran on to Ciccio Cozza's pass and went round Carrizo, but by that point the angle had narrowed too much and he failed to score.

Moments later it was Pandev's turn to waste a golden opportunity on the counter-attack, as he drew the goalkeeper forward only to lob wide of an open goal.

Bernardo Corradi came on against his former club for the second half, as Reggina were toothless in attack and seemed to be lacking belief they could turn this around. Corradi's daisy-cutter was charged down from a corner and Aleksandr Kolarov's free kick whistled over.

On 63 minutes Brienza went on a slalom through four players in the Lazio box before he was eventually muscled off the ball and Cozza drilled the follow-up wide.

Puggioni blocked a fierce Kolarov free kick and later did well to pluck the ball off Pandev's foot. Brienza turned over from a tight angle when he perhaps should've passed to Corradi instead.

There was one last scare in stoppages as Corradi knocked down the ball for a low Brienza volley, bringing a tough one-handed save out of Carrizo. Mobido Diakhite' got a toe to Fabio Ceravolo's effort to turn it out for a corner, but it was too little, too late for Reggina.

Lazio: Carrizo; Rozehnal, Lichtsteiner, Dabo (Meghni 58), De Silvestri; Diakite, Kolarov, Foggia (Mendicino 48), Ledesma; Zarate (Kozak 65), Pandev

Reggina: Puggioni; Lanzaro, Cirillo, Valdez; Vigiani (Ceravolo 55), Barreto, Carmona, Barillà, Costa (Corradi 51); Cozza (Adejo 66), Brienza

Ref: Gervasoni

--------------------

It's been a good season for Lazio, they look a lot healthier as a club and the new stadium will mean even more to them in terms of finances. A year or so ago they could only dream of being able to pay something like £16m for Zarate.

Rossi hands in resignation



Lazio Coach Delio Rossi is going to meet President Claudio Lotito tonight to hand in his resignation.

Despite winning the Coppa Italia, Rossi has fallen foul of Lotito, who believes the team should have finished higher in Serie A.

Lotito is believed to be holding talks with Walter Zenga in Rome today with a view to offering him Rossi's job.

“I will not be the trainer of Lazio next year and I will communicate my decision to Lotito this evening,” Rossi said.

“I have been in Rome for the last 15 days and Lotito promised to give me a response regarding my future in three or four days, but after two weeks it still hasn't arrived.

“I am not in a hurry, but the sensation is that someone here is scared to make the first move,” Rossi explained.

“I don't have these problems, one has face up to responsibilities in life. Someone will have to make the first move.

“One has to make choices and take decisions in life and there are times and ways to do it,” he concluded.

Rossi can consider his time at Lazio a success. Prior to winning the Coppa Italia in May he led the Biancocelesti to an unlikely third place finish in Serie A just two years ago.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun03o.html

---------------------------

So it looks like Walter Zenga coming in for Delio Rossi. I think Lazio will finish higher next season regardless of who is coach because it looks like they will be spending a little bit, but I don't see why a coach who has won their first trophy for 9 years should not be given a chance next term.

On the tranfer front it seems Goran Pandev has made up his mind that he is leaving, there are numerous European giants linked with him. Lazio are also still negotiating permanent deals for Mauro Zaraté and Matuzalem. They are also belived to be interested in Juninho from Lyon who is available.

Rossi officially leaves: http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun8h.html

It looks like Davide Ballardini is going to be the new coach of Lazio, Il Corriere Dello Sport reports that he is meeting Claudio Lotito today and there could be some news this week.

Lazio are confirming Ballardini: http://www.sslazio.it/cms/view/home/news/a...ampa/s152/c2611

Lazio Mercato 2009-10

IN:

(F) Mauro Zarate (ARG) - Al Sadd - undisclosed
(G) Albano Bizzarri (ARG) - Catania - free
(F) Eliseu (POR) - Malaga - €1m
(D) Riccardo Bonetto (ITA) - Livorno - p/e
(D) Lionel Scaloni (ARG) - Mallorca - loan return
(D) Guglielmo Stendardo (ITA) - Lecce - loan return
(M) Roberto Baronio (ITA) - Brescia - loan return
(M) Lucas Correa (ARG) - Pro Patria - loan return
(M) Fabio Firmani (ITA) - Al Wasl - loan return
(D) Stephen Makinwa (NIG) - Chievo - loan return
(F) Julio Cruz (ARG) - Inter - free

OUT:

(D) Luciano Zauri (ITA) - Sampdoria - loan
(D) David Rozehnal (CZE) - Hamburg - €5m

Lazio have signed Julio Cruz from Inter on a free transfer, he has joined the squad in Beijing for the SuperCoppa Italiana match against former club Inter.

Well done to Lazio who won La SuperCoppa Italiana 2009.

Match report: http://www.football-italia.net/sc-int-laz.html

congrats on Lazio's third Supercup

May I ask why the Super Cup was played in China?

yes it was, CK

Awesome Galo.

ok just noticed you said why it was played in china, sorry tought you asked if it was played in china

guess they played in china because of the money

heard the ref was payed 20k euros just for that match

Just for marketing reasons, nothing much else.

The SuperCoppa has been in other countries before, Libya, the US three times, they like to take it on the road and offer it around. It's a trophy and is pretty much on the same standing as the Charity Shield, perhaps slightly more important because of the importance placed on domestic football in Italy.

I have not watched any Lazio games yet this season but how is Foggia playing. He should of been called up for the conferdations cup but was left out. I rate him higher then Camoranesi and he can fill his roll perfectly. When Camoranesi is on it he is wonderful but he has just been too injured prone and too inconsistent.

5 points ahead of Roma already

6 points

Lazio Mercato 2009-10

IN:

(F) Mauro Zarate (ARG) - Al Sadd - undisclosed
(G) Albano Bizzarri (ARG) - Catania - free
(F) Eliseu (POR) - Malaga - €1m
(D) Riccardo Bonetto (ITA) - Livorno - p/e
(D) Lionel Scaloni (ARG) - Mallorca - loan return
(D) Guglielmo Stendardo (ITA) - Lecce - loan return
(M) Roberto Baronio (ITA) - Brescia - loan return
(M) Lucas Correa (ARG) - Pro Patria - loan return
(M) Fabio Firmani (ITA) - Al Wasl - loan return
(D) Stephen Makinwa (NIG) - Chievo - loan return
(F) Julio Cruz (ARG) - Inter - free

OUT:

(D) Luciano Zauri (ITA) - Sampdoria - loan
(D) David Rozehnal (CZE) - Hamburg - €5m
(F) Libor Kozak (CZE) - Brescia - loan
(D) Lorenzo De Silvestri (ITA) - Fiorentina - €6m

I don't know about higher than Camo, as he is proven at the top, although he is inconsistent.

I haven't seen Lazio yet so I don't even know who played.

Friendly: Lazio conquer Zaragoza

Lazio continue their winning streak with a prestigious 2-0 victory away to Real Zaragoza in the Ciudad de Zaragoza Cup.

The Biancocelesti have been on stunning form this season with the Italian Super Cup trophy, qualification for the Europa League and a 100 per cent Serie A record.

The trip to Spain also proved fruitful, as they held on under pressure in the first half to emerge in the long run.

Julio Cruz was brought down by Jose 16 minutes from time and Pasquale Foggia stepped up to convert the penalty.

Goalkeeper Albino Bizzarri performed a crucial save to deny Gabri’s header and Lazio struck for a second time, substitute Mauro Zarate finalising his counter-attack with a precise angled drive from the edge of the box.

Real Zaragoza 0-2 Lazio

Scorers: Foggia pen 74 (L), Zarate 90 (L)

Real Zaragoza: Lopez Vallejo (Diego 82); Ayala (Pulido 77), Pablo Amo (Pavon 59), Borque (Josè 59), Ponzio; Jorge Lopez, Songòo (Paredes 59), Gabi (Aridane 80), Babic; Kevin (Montejo 70), Arizmendi (Miramon 80)

Lazio: Bizzarri; Cribari (Faraoni 46), Stendardo, Radu (Diakité 46), Del Nero (Zarate 65); Dabo (Mauri 65), Matuzalem (Perpetuini 46), Eliseu, Foggia; Rocchi, Cruz

Lazio sign 'Uruguayan Pato'



Uruguayan teen Gonzalo Barreto has agreed to join Italian giants Lazio, according to reports in the peninsula.

“I have signed a contract with Lazio, but I’ll only complete the move in January,” he is quoted as saying. “Lazio are one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Although the South American will arrive in the New Year, he won’t be able to play until next season because he is still just 17.

It is a situation which mirrors that of Alexandre Pato, who was also under-age when he penned the contract to come to Europe.

The Brazilian was signed by Milan in August 2008, but couldn’t be registered to play in Serie A until January 2009, when he had turned 18.

http://www.football-italia.net/sep23o.html

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Well he has curly hair. Sounds like a promising signing for Lazio.

its been 2 straight games that they lose on THEIR home turffff

and they're behind us

Europa League Gp G, Matchday 2 - 1/10/09 (18.00 UK)

Levski Sofia 0-4 Lazio

Matuzalem 23 (La), Zarate 44 (La), Meghni 67 (La), Rocchi 73 (La)

Sofia

Lazio ran riot with a 4-0 demolition of Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, as Mauro Zarate and Tommaso Rocchi were among the scorers.

The Biancocelesti had hit something of a brick wall after a very strong start, which included throwing away a lead to lose 2-1 at home to Salzburg in the opening Europa League round. Julio Cruz, Sebastiano Siviglia, Fabio Firmani, Mobido Diakhite', Cristian Brocchi and Lionel Scaloni were sidelined, so two youth team players were in the starting XI.

Mourad Meghni was surprisingly fielded out wide right in a 4-4-2 system rather than his usual trequartista role. Roberto Baronio was an injury doubt for the game, but his free kick prompted the first save.

Tommaso Rocchi also tested Dimitrov at the near post after a Perpetuini through ball, but at the other end Tasevski wasted a chance created by Francelino Matuzalem's mistake.

The deadlock was broken after 23 minutes in Bulgaria when Zarate won back the ball in midfield and sparked a counter, finalised by Matuzalem's angled drive.

Moments later Zarate's snapshot was fingertipped on to the upright, as Lazio went so close to a second.

However, goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri needed to be alert when parrying Hristov's header from a Joaozinho free kick. Fortunately for the visitors, Rabeh was offside for the rebound.

Matuzalem turned another counter-attack just over the bar after good work from Zarate and Eliseu.

On the stroke of half-time, Lazio got their deserved second in Sofia. This time Rocchi sparked the counter and pulled back from the byline for Zarate to volley home.

Straight after the restart Levski threatened, as first Bizzarri beat away Hristov's strike, then Stefan Radu deflected the Joaozinho follow-up off target.

Bardon exchanged passes with Tabokov only to drill past the post of an open goal, while Hristov wasted a golden opportunity with a fresh air effort from the penalty spot.

Pasquale Foggia replaced Zarate to make more of the counter-attacking opportunities and it proved an inspired substitution. Within five minutes of coming off the bench, Foggia had placed an inspired ball over the top for Meghni to fire past Dimitrov.

Foggia was on fire and his sensational left-foot screamer from all of 40 yards was flying into the top corner before Dimitrov's fingertip save.

Rocchi made it 4-0 in Sofia for a marvellous Lazio performance. Once again Foggia was involved, his through ball - and Rabeh's slip - sending Rocchi clear on goal to dribble round the 'keeper.

Substitute Yoyov horribly wasted a consolation goal by shinning it from 10 yards. In the final moments Yoyov did get his effort on target, but Bizzarri brilliantly saved both that shot and Joaozinho's follow-up from point-blank range.

Levski Sofia: Dimitrov; Topuzakov (Miliev 46), Rabeh, Minev, Benzoukane, Joaozinho, Bardon, Sarmov, Tasevski (Tabokov 46), Hristov (Yoyov 72), Ze Soares

Lazio: Bizzarri; Cribari, Lichtsteiner, Radu, Eliseu; Meghni, Perpetuini, Baronio (Dabo 54), Matuzalem (Mauri 74); Rocchi, Zarate (Foggia 62)

Ref: Nikolay (Rus)

Official: Hitzlsperger to Lazio



Lazio have officially signed ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger from Stuttgart.

“I look forward to this new challenge. It is a privilege to play in the top European league and I look forward to the city of Rome.”

The 27-year-old German would've been available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The Biancocelesti preferred to pay around £800,000 to bring him in immediately.

Hitzlsperger had spent four and a half years with Stuttgart and before then was nicknamed 'Hitz the Hammer' at Aston Villa.

“Thomas was a player who identified himself with the club very much, and it was not easy for us to let him go, but we respect his decision nevertheless,” said Stuttgart general manager Horst Heldt.

“We hope Thomas has much success at his new club and we thank him for his achievements with VfB Stuttgart.”

http://www.football-italia.net/jan31m.html

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This guy is a bit of a tosser tbh, but decent player, obviously a hammer of a left foot. He said midweek he wasn't interested in joining Real Zaragoza because 'they are a team I have never heard of and haven't got a clue what league they play in'.

Idiot.

Lazio sacked coach Davide Ballardini after their dreadful run of results, and replaced him with Edy Reja.

'Lazio are politically connected'

Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi has implied that Lazio get favourable refereeing decisions because they are politically connected.

Ghirardi was especially upset with the standard of officiating on display during Parma's 2-0 defeat at home to the Biancocelesti on Sunday.

Speaking to Radio Radio, Ghirardi said: “I am very angry with the referee's decision to send off Jimenez. We are not sacrificial victims, but unfortunately our politics is different from other teams.”

Asked to explain similar comments made by Parma's director of sport, Pietro Leonardi, he replied: “Pietro is a wise person. He only meant to say that certain positions held in favour of Lazio on behalf of certain politicians aren't pleasant.

“It's clear that Roman politicians are ministers and senators, while in Parma there is only the mayor and the president of the province. We need to be aware. You know the 'powers' better than me and maybe someone can be influenced.

“Leonardi only meant to say this and not anything heavier,” Ghirardi concluded.

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Well it's the Italian way, and certainly the way of other big clubs across the continent and probably the world. If Lazio are favoured politically then imagine what happens elsewhere......you can only take what you can in Italy, the politics behind everything dictates it.

Should have pointed out weeks ago, but Lazio are doing absolutely awful, they could even get relegated! Udinese too. Only 2 and 1 points respectively keeping them out of the relegation zone.

Lazio have improved, their playing like a 15th placed team already.
looks like the wont relagate after all

Reja has made a difference already.

DISGUSTING CLUB AND FANS, SHOULD BE SENT TO THE REGIONAL LEAGUES FOR MATCH FIXING.

we didnt need more reasons to hate them but this is bang out of order, i hope i can find some pics of the pricks celebrating more than the inter fans.

Lazio snap up Uruguayan pair

Lazio are on the verge of signing Alvaro Gonzalez and Pablo Pintos. “Everything is ready,” said the defender.

The Biancocelesti continue to search South America for fresh talent and appear to have completed two Uruguayan swoops.

27-year-old midfielder Gonzalez was awarded his Italian passport today, so can be brought in without affecting the limit on non-EU players.

A deal has reportedly already been done with Nacional Montevideo, so he only has to put pen to paper on a contract until 2015.

San Lorenzo full-back Pintos told the media at the San Lorenzo training ground that his transfer is imminent.

“Everything is ready for me to go and play for Lazio,” said the 22-year-old Uruguayan.

The Spanish press reckon that Madrid have abandoned their interest in Kolarov, not sure how accurate that is.

Lazio Mercato 2010-11

IN

Pablo Pintos - San Lorenzo (ARG) - €2.5m
Mark Bresciano - Palermo - free
Álvaro González - Nacional (URU) - €2m
Javier Garrido - Manchester City (ENG) - €3m
Hernanes - Sao Paulo (BRA) - €13.5m

Total: €21m


OUT

Roberto Baronio - released
Sebastiano Siviglia - released
Thomas Hitzlsperger - West Ham United (ENG) - free
Marco Davide Faraoni - Internazionale - free
Aleksandar Kolarov - Manchester City (ENG) - €17m
Juan Pablo Carrizo - River Plate (ARG) - loan
Federico Chirico - Cavese - loan
Alessandro Tuia - Monza - loan
Alessio Luciani - Lumezzane - loan
Ettore Mendicino - Ascoli - loan
Stephen Makinwa - Larissa (GRE) - loan
Luciano Zauri - Sampdoria - loan
Pablo Pintos - Getafe (SPA) - loan

Total: €17m

Official: Lazio sign Bresciano

Lazio have signed Australia international midfielder Mark Bresciano on a free transfer from Palermo.

The 30-year-old's contract had expired in Sicily and he expressed his desire to find pastures new.

Fiorentina were reportedly interested in signing him, but Lazio made sure they didn't miss out on another transfer target.

Bresciano has signed a two-year contract worth around €1m a season.

Lazio have registered his contract with the Lega Calcio, making the transfer official.

I wonder if Lazio will spend some of that Kolarov money or if it will go straight to the club. The last big buy they had was Zarate, but they should use more of their talented youth than some of the mediocre crap they have as squad players. Look at last year.

Lazio close to Hernanes and Garrido



Lazio have made an offer for Hernanes, confirms his agent, while the club is “a step away from a deal for Javier Garrido” of Manchester City.

The Biancocelesti are at the thick of transfer activity today and are moving on several fronts.

“We are a step away from a definitive deal for Javier Garrido,” declared President Claudio Lotito this evening.

The patron is in Milan for tonight’s Serie A 2010-11 fixture draw and spoke to the media about the 25-year-old Manchester City winger.

It is effectively part of a swap with Aleksandar Kolarov going to Eastlands.

Lazio are also in advanced negotiations with Sao Paolo for Brazilian midfield star Hernanes.

“At the moment Lazio have only offered €9m, whereas Sao Paolo are asking for €15m,” agent Agustino Penha told Calciomercato.com.

“If Lazio were to bid €14m then the deal could be struck. I know there is talk of Palermo and Villarreal, but I have only spoken to Lazio.

“Hernanes would like a transfer to Rome, but the problem remains the same, as first he must sort out the issues with Sao Paolo. He is open to a transfer to Italy.”

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Hernanes is very highly rated, would be an interesting signing. Garrido would obviously replace Kolarov.