Lazio vs Livorno

Lazio return home after a good effort away to AC Milan last week and will host Livorno at the Stadio Olimpico. Livorno will be looking to continue where they left off last week after holding serve at home to Catania.

Lazio were in the unenviable position of playing away to AC Milan in week 26 but they more than held their own to come away with a point from a match that ended 1-1 at the San Siro. The point leaves the laziali in 12^th place of the Serie A table with 30 points for the year. They sit 3 points back of 11^th place Napoli and 2 points up on 13^th place Torino. The draw away to Milan extended their modest unbeaten run to two matches after having won at home to Reggina the week before. For this week’s match at home to Livorno manager Delio Rossi has confirmed that he will be going with a 3 man attack comprised of Brocchi, Goran Pandev and Bianchi. The injured list this week consists of Zauri, Mutarelli and Del Nero with De Silvestri and Mudingayi sitting out due to suspension. At the back, Sivigilia is expected to start despite an injury scare earlier in the week. Should he not be able to go, Rozenhal would come in.

Livorno are in 15^th place of the league table at this time. They are 2 points behind 14^th place Siena and 1 point ahead of 16^th place Parma. In their last match they defeated relegation plagued Catania by a score of 1-0 at the Stadio Armando Picchi and that was a huge result given that Catania are a direct rival in that relegation battle. The win snapped a 3 match losing streak for the side managed by Camolese. This week the squad will once again be missing Bergvold, Giannichedda, Rossini and Volpe but the good news is that Tavano has been confirmed to start in attack. The only question at this time for Livorno is whether Tristan or Diamanti will accompany him at the top of the 3-5-2.

Lazio have been playing better of late at home and despite their poor league position the Olimpico can still be intimidating. Livorno are separated by only 4 points from Lazio a victory would represent a major step forward. However, the 3 pronged attack from Lazio could cause them problems especially since they are expected to feature a 3 man defense.

Prediction: Lazio (2-0)