Going into the International break, the Lazio players have earnt a well deserved rest. After what was going to be a tougher season than the last one, the Biancoceleste sit in the same position they occupied at this stage last year. It was always going to be a test for Reja and his squad, playing in the Europa League as well as aiming high in Serie A. Reja has shuffled his squad around, with players coming and going in the
mercato.

Whilst having a slow start in the Europa League, with a dissapointing draw against
Vaslui and then a defeat in Lisbon, things have gone smoothly for Reja and his men in the league so far. After a slow start with a defeat to Genoa at the Olimpico, and then a goalless draw against Palermo also at home, Lazio have maintained to be a force away from home. A much needed win against Zurich got the european campaign back on track, but other results have made it clear Lazio need to win in Vaslui for any hope of qualifying.

The style of football hasn't been great, and this is a major talking point for most Laziali. But to play stylish football and win games, you have to spend alot of money and build teams over time. Reja hasn't had the kind of backing from a Russian oil baron or Middle Eastern Royalty, but his team are adapting and finding ways of winning games whilst doing so. The team are learning from each match, and after playing seven matches in the last twenty two days it is understandable there must be a few tired legs within the camp.

What is Reja's aim this season? Realistically we wont win the Scudetto, but finishing in the top three is achievable. Finally a win in the Derby della Capitale for Reja, was obviously the stand out performance of the season so far but the major turning point of Lazio's season will be in the coming weeks, facing Napoli and Juventus in successive weeks. After a very exciting and dissapointing defeat in Naples last season, Reja and his men will be after revenge this time around.

We are a quarter of the way through the season so far, losing just once in the league and finally finding our feet in Europe. Surely our league position at this stage is way beyond most Laziali's pre-season expectations?

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(Ben Lally)