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23/01/2012: The Bite - "Dare to Dream"
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 In the last twenty years, apart from Lazio and AS Roma winning it just once the Scudetto has belonged to just three clubs. Milan, Inter and Juventus.
I often think of what it would take to break that tradition, and more importantly my beloved Lazio to break it. Apart from Napoli recently being considered worthy contenders, Roma have have also come close in recent years finishing runners up in consecutive campaigns. But other clubs on the Peninsula have rarely challenged the big three.
So after keeping in touching distance for most of last season and being only eight points behind the unbeaten Bianconeri this campaign, I would confidently say I don’t think the Biancoceleste are too far away from putting a serious title challenge together. Underneath I have outlined what I think it would take for Edy Reja’s men to mount a serious Scudetto hunt.
A fully fit Stefano Mauri is needed throughout the whole campaign. The midfielder has been missed so far this season and despite only starting a handful of matches, the Italian international was a key part in Lazio’s win over city rival’s Roma in the Derby della Capitale.
Hernanes consistently performing would be a big ask but the Brazilian has sprung to life again in recent matches, most notably scoring the winner against Hellas Verona to send them through to quarter finals of the Coppa Italia. The midfielder has looked lost at times during the current season and hasn’t looked a bit of the player Lazio signed last summer.
Edy Reja has made some excellent moves in the Mercato during his time in Rome and I believe two big money signings are still needed, not just as a mark of intent but to keep some stability throughout a sometimes weak squad. A few names have been rumoured so far, Japanese international Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow and his Russian teammate Alan Dzagoev. Maybe with the hopeful signing of Lukas Podolski in the summer, the Biancoceleste will have eventual strength in depth.
Manager Edy Reja needs the Lazio fans behind him all of the way. After a poor start to the campaign the tactician was close to quitting the club after receiving some unwanted abuse from parts of the Tifosi. Club president Claudio Lotito persuaded him to stay and after the first win in the Derby for nearly three years, it seems to have tightened the bond between himself and the fans.
It excites me what the team could possibly achieve with added quality in the Mercato, and having a fully fit squad would be an absolute luxury for Reja as it has been unheard of this season. With a bit of money spent and a bit of luck blowing in the direction of Lazio, just maybe there is hope for Edy Reja and the Lazio fans in the short coming future.
(Ben Lally)
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| | | | Match Report : Cagliari - Lazio | | Match Report from LazioLand.com for the game between Cagliari and Lazio |  |
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| | | | Lazio in ritiro | | Lotito has sent the squad to a ritiro in Norcia. Meanwhile Lucas Biglia draws nearer. | |
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| | | | Petkovic: "We want to get to Europe regardless of the Coppa Italia" | | Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic claims he wants his side qualified for the Europa League before they play in the Italian Cup final. | |
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| | | | Tare: "Profound respect for Brocchi" | | Lazio director of sport Igli Tare has paid tribute to Cristian Brocchi who announced his retirement today. | |
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| | | | Cristian Brocchi retires | | Lazio midfielder Cristian Brocchi has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 37. | |
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