Lazio - Benfica

[Red Eagle]

Hi there Lazio supporters!
The most important match of the champions league 3rd qualifying round is this one! It's not going to be easy for my team but I'm sure it will be 2 very good games.
I wish you good luck for your season but not for this qualifying round. :)

[romansky]

This is certainly one of the toughest draws we could get, let's hope we don't fall apart in Portugal like in the UEFA Cup...

[Darran]

We have a point to prove after the loss to Porto, we need to really get back on our feet and start winning against Portugese teams. I am very optimistic and if we could convert chances and play like we did against the big teams, I am confident we can qualify.

[Darran]

Lazio boss Roberto Mancini maintains he is happy to be facing Benfica in the Champions’ League preliminary round.

“Benfica are a very difficult team to take on,” admitted the tactician after today’s draw, “but there was always the risk of a tough opponent.”

The Portuguese giants represent perhaps the worst draw Lazio could have made in order to reach the first group phase of the European competition.

Nonetheless, Mancini sees this tricky encounter as a bonus to get his men on track immediately.

“There could have been easier teams in the draw,” he noted, “but it will be an advantage to play the first game in Rome.”

One of Benfica’s star players is a familiar face to Mancini, as he Coached Nuno Gomes during their time at Fiorentina.

Ex-Barcelona starlet Simao Sabrosa is another danger man, so Lazio director of sport Oreste Cinquini is less than happy.

“This is the luck of the draw and we must accept it,” confirmed Cinquini, “but we are taking on a great side with a glorious past.”

The Biancocelesti have not been fortunate with Portuguese opposition, as Porto knocked them out of the UEFA Cup Semi-Finals last season.

“It is fundamental for Lazio to reach the group stages of the Champions’ League,” continued the director, “both on a sporting and economic level.”

Getting to the competition proper would represent a massive cash boost for the troubled club that only avoided bankruptcy on June 24.

It is a very good sign that Mancini is very optimistic, Benfica will no doubt be a difficult team to beat but we must remain optimistic and give our very best and try to progress. It will do well for our finances if we progress in the CL.

[valdanito_10]

this is where our season starts! this is the real test to see what this lazio is made of and what we can do!

[Darran]

Honestly, we need to play to our best if we are to win and qualify for the CL. Remember guys, qualification to the CL is extremely important on a playing note as well as an economic note as we would receive more revenue and be able to clear our debts.

[valdanito_10]

words of wisdom........

[Komik 9]

Threturn game date has been changed to the 27th of August, one day later than planned, but it is not such a big change, but worth mentioning.

[valdanito_10]

i hope the olimpico will be completely packed on the 1st leg.

[Darran]

Isn't the match with Benfica shifted to the 13th of August 2003?

[valdanito_10]

yes it is

[Darran]

That would be played in Rome or Portugal?

[MarieL]

I think it's in Rome. I'm waiting for the game with excitement but also with horror, because it can send us back to Uefa cup. That would be a major setback.

[Komik 9]

1st leg: Rome 13/8 (live on RAI 2) 21.00 Italian time
2nd leg: Portugal 27/8

i wonder who Mancini will put as a defensive midfielder. I think it will be between Albertini and Giannichedda, but there is some time left before line-up speculations....

[Darran]

In my case, I hope it would be Albertini, Simeone was our main defensive midfielder last season because of his experience, now Albertini will take over, he has lots of experience and what's more a great foot which he can use to whack those long shots. And our freekicks, Mihajlovic seems to have lost it, so why not let Albertini take it, remember the goal he scored for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid? Casillas was totally hopeless then!

[Komik 9]

I would also prefer Albertini. He has more quality and experience, we need such a player and I think Mancini will feel the same way.
He did play from start against Viterbese along with a line-up that i think will be the starters next season if you change Liverani and add Stankovic.
This is I think a very possible team against Benfica:
Peruzzi;
Oddo, Stam, Mihajlovic, Favalli (if he stays, otherwise Zauri);
Fiore, Albertini, Stankovic, Cesar;
Corradi, Lopez

[Darran]

How about Mendieta? I have high hopes for him this season and against Viterbese, he assisted Inzaghi in scoring, I hope he would get a first team place simply because if he refinds his form which is very likely to happen under Mancio, we would have the best midfield in the entire Serie A.

[Komik 9]

I also believe in Mendieta as a good defensive midfielder, if he finds his possible form, I'd start with him, no doubt. I'm just careful to say too much because I saw a couple of his games for Lazio and he was lost. I believe in the combination of Mandieta and Mancini though, so I think we will see more Mendieta than we expected.
I believe in him, that I have always done, and I am happy that he is back.

[Darran]

Mendieta was a pretty defensive player at Valencia and his crosses were absolutely devastating, I wonder where we will play him, on the right or on the centre? No doubt, the chemistry between Mancini and Mendieta is strong but don't forget that we still have players who want to play like Gianichedda, Liverani, Dabo, Albertini in the centre. I don't know how we can fit Mendieta in the centre and on the right, it is occupied by Fiore and Castroman.

[valdanito_10]

he can play at formello cleaning the pool!

[ispirazione]

I'm so gald to see that Mendieta is refinding himself in the field but I don't think Mancio will play him a starter in August. At present Albertini seems to be his first choice, also Liverani is in good form. Mendieta still needs time. But I'm afraid that Lazio would sell him before he adjust himself to very best condition. Since the club still tries take him out, place him as a starter is unlikely to happen.

[KD_7]

Does anybody know if this match will be shown in England?

[Darran]

I guess not! England doesn't even show the Serie A, much less a CL 3rd Preliminary round match involving an Italian team.

[KD_7]

I guess not! England doesn't even show the Serie A, much less a CL 3rd Preliminary round match involving an Italian team.

Damn :(

[Aaron]

It sucks here we rarely get serie a all we have is premier league every week, And Champions League we get every week of every game at second round which is ok

[ispirazione]

Here in China we are not be able to watch the game, either. The best can be expeced is online watching the commentary live... well the biggest problem for me now is: when is the game?? Many told me it been delayed to Aug.27th(?) but some recent news still talk about Aug.13th. :confused:

[MarieL]

Well the 1st leg is on the 13th day and the 2nd on the 27th.

[ispirazione]

Ok, that's great! My summer holiday ends around Aug.25. I can follow the game online then. :ronaldo: Thank you.

[Aaron]

Is there going to be a radio broadcast?

[Darran]

Here in Singapore, we are slightly fortunate, we can watch the almost every Lazio Serie A match, as for the CL, only a few are selected until the quarters and semis where they will broadcast every single match. I am sure that we will be able to hear it live on radio.

[valdanito_10]

im pretty sure ill be getting the benfica games!

and i get all the cl games on espn and espn2 latin americaa!


and as far as serie a is concerned i get most matches at rai international, if not i get other matches but get the goals seconds later, andother important events!

[MarieL]

How come I suddenly wanna move to Dom Republic... :(
I'm sure I won't be getting those Benfica games.

[valdanito_10]

ohhh big mistake!

[MarieL]

What would be a mistake?

[valdanito_10]

just joikng about moving here, ud be boared of ur a** :dead:

[Aaron]

Yeah, Well i get all the Serie A highlights early in the morning, I get one premier league game a week usually Arsenal or Man u. I get all CL games on Espn but some are replays, I also get 2 La Liga games a week usually Barca Valcencia or Real.

[Petko]

What do you guys think will be the starting 11 in the first match against Benfica ?

Most likely Mancini's 4-4-2 will be happening.

Sereni
Oddo/Negro Stam Mihajlovic Zauri
Fiore Giannichedda Stankovic Cesar
Corradi Lopez


Bench: Peruzzi, Oddo/Negro, Couto, Favalli, Conceicao, Liverani, Dabo, Mendieta, Inzaghi.

[valdanito_10]

it all depends!


if favalli will remain at the club he will start and if his future is in doubt he wont as they risk not being able to sell him to play in teams participating in europe, like inter for example! i think after all he will remain!




----------peruzzi-----------
oddo---stam---mihaj----favalli
fiore----albertini--deki----cesar--
--------corradi---Lopez-----

looks just like last season, only that its albertini and not simeone!

and maybe inzaghi will start and not corradi as inzaghi has been on target alot recently!


also i herad that lopez said he might have to play cesars posiition and cesar playing fullbback!


aparantely zauri has notyet completely adapted himself, he needs some time

[Darran]

Inzaghi is in great shape and he is our top scorer in the friendlies, I think he is really getting back to his usual self. Cesar to play full-back? It sounds wierd, Cesar has lots of flair, it would be a complete waste if he was made to defend instead of attack. My prefered line up would be :

----------------Peruzzi---------------

-Oddo-----Stam------Mihajlovic---Favalli-

-Fiore-----Albertini----Stankovic---Cesar-

-------------Corradi-----Inzaghi---------

[valdanito_10]

trust me when i say mancio wont leave lopez on the bench! and lopez made a prmise to the fans! lets only hope he keeps it

[Aaron]

Darran no inzaghi well not start that is almost guranteed, Lopez will start and i expect him to have a great game i am sure he will score a few for us tomorrow.

It will be good to see how sergio goes in this game, hopefully he will get some game time tomorrow.

[Darran]

Inzaghi will finally convince Mancio, he has done extremely well in pre-season and he has been scoring lots of goals for Lazio. I really believe that he will be scoring lots this season, I have been sticking with Inzaghi for the past 3 years, and I am not going to give up supporting him.

[ahmed]

3 of my friends will be in the stadium (Curva Nord) in CML sector! ;)

[Darran]

That's great! Remember the most important thing ~ pictures.

[Aaron]

But as Juan said he wont pick inzaghino over lopez, Lopez showed that he can be the best in the world last season and i am sure he will start. I hope inzaghi comes on at least at half time because he is looking good and really needs to get some goals during the start of the season to show everyone that he is back and want's a place in the starting XI.

[Darran]

Lopez could be drifted to the left like what Juan said and Cesar as left back. I can see it succeeding. Since Favalli wants to leave, there is no point keeping him. Then Inzaghi and Corradi will form the partnership/

[sslazioMelopez]

But he is still with us , so im sorry Darran . Inzaghi still on the bench lopez and corradi will led the attack . wooooooooooha Forza Lopez . :)

[valdanito_10]

nop as i said before there is a 99% chance that lopez will play on ythe left and leave the attack to corradi and lopez as cesar is suspended

[valdanito_10]

Roberto Mancini has called 21 players for wednesday's game against Benfica.

The squad: Albertini, Corradi, Conceiçao, Couto, Dabo, Favalli, Fiore, Giannichedda, S. Inzaghi, Liverani, Lopez, Manfredini, Mendieta, Mihajlovic, Negro, Oddo, Peruzzi, Serenim Stam, Stankovic, Zauri.


(sslazio.it)

[sslazioMelopez]

Can say tat it the full team , but how will Mancini form them ? Lets see , Damn it Singapore cable vision is showing Newcastle`s match but not Lazio . For wat ? :mad2:

[valdanito_10]

for the newcastle fans! hehehe

i get it on rai ! buh huh!

mancini might not use lopez on the left after alll, but he might use a trident attack and 3mids

[Aaron]

All will be revealed in some what 10 hours, Pity i have to listen to it. At least it is better than watching 'livescore.com' :)

[Darran]

Yes, Inzaghi will be getting a chance, I hope he takes this opportunity and prove to Mancio, that he is the Inzaghi in 2000.

[Aaron]

Yeah, Well he will play but Lopez apparently as well. Well Inzaghi is good but it will all be revealed how the team works today, I hope to see Mendieta given a chance and hopefully recapture his Valencia days all signs have looked good during pre-season.

I read also that Deki won't play? But seeing the probably line-ups he is included in the squad, even though Mancini said he will not play due he has not fully recovered and don't want to risk him. Is this telling us that maybe he could be sold because the way i see it if all such players play today then they are unavailable for any other such Uefa run games and that is why Mancini said that Stam will play today to quash all the rumours of him leaving.

[Darran]

I guess Stankovic won't be risked, he will most likely be used as a substitute, I just want to see him play and get cup tied for CL matches if he joins other teams.

[MarieL]

Only 3 more hours! I'm looking forward to this game, thought I won't see it, but anyways Lazio will be back in business again.

[Darran]

I will be hearing it live on air thanks to Lazioworld, I hope there are no technical errors which will spoil the first match for Lazio.

[ispirazione]

the game is about to start! I'll be listening and also reading the commentary as well...

FORZA LAZIO!!!! :thumbsup:

[Darran]

Wonderful, we won 3-1 and we totally deserved it. Now Deki is definitely staying for sure. Forza Lazios

[valdanito_10]

ok lguys, I am happy! what a perfomance was out in by our players!

and i must say to me the man of the match was Stam! and Mihajlovic did an excellent job too, and that pearl of his was just great, thatfree kick was just unstoppable no othetr way to escribe it!

albertini had a good match and now all our players are cup-tied! deki didnt do much i guess it must be due to his injury!


for some reason both corradi anf fiore went straight towards Giannichedda to celebrate the goals!


the fans were great, ive never seen them behave so well! they sanf thorughout the whole mtach and cheered all our players, no exceptions! i




it was a beauty to finally watch Lazio play again!


Forza Lazio!

[Aaron]

Not to mention my Sergio had a great game also! I saw the highlights of the game and it made me smile seeing him back in a lazio jersey!

Forza Lazio! CL here we come!

[valdanito_10]

ahh yeah, i fogot to mention, conceicao had a great perfomance aftertrainning only one week, he was great, i seethat player of 99-00 in him!

im happy for Sergio and also for us on having him with us!


everyone step a side because the allmighty lazio is on its way! :confused: that just sounded like some cheap cartioon! :D

[romansky]

Nice result for us, bit of a lucky goal for Simao deflecting from Oddo but Miha's wonderful free kick gives us some cushion. I agree Juan that Stam was excellent, thrilled to see both he & Deki cup-tied now! We also have to give credit to Peruzzi also for some key saves late in the match...now we shouldn't expect to start with three strikers in Oporto, but I doubt Mancio will play for 0-0 in the return.

[Darran]

Mancio will entertain the masses just like he did today and I hope we won't be complacent and reset the score line when we play in Portugal 2 weeks from now.

[valdanito_10]

yes, angelo did mnake some spectacular saves, and this Lazio ALWAYS plays to win!

[MarieL]

Oh, how I wish I could have seen the match. But I did see Miha's goal, it was spectacular!

[MarieL]

And this is what Miha himself thought about the goal. Way to go Miha! :D

<b>Mihajlovic: Im best on the planet</b>

After scoring against Benfica on Wednesday, Lazio’s Sinisa Mihajlovic maintains that he is the best free-kick expert in the world.

"Until I retire in four years time, I will be the number one dead-ball specialist on this planet," said the central defender.

"People usually judge these things by looking at who has scored the most free-kicks. Therefore I can’t be wrong about my assessment."

The former Red Star ace netted one of his specials against the Portuguese side which gives his club a crucial 3-1 aggregate advantage in their Champions’ League preliminary tie.

"I’ve not taken a shot like that for the last three years," he explained. "That is because I’ve had a problem with my knee which has only just been resolved.

"Every time I tried to hit a shot like the one against Benfica it was causing me real pain. But things have changed now."

Football Italia

[ahmed]

lol, he is right.. his free kick against Benfica was one of the best free kicks i've ever seen

[valdanito_10]

anybody here knows where ican download it from! I wanna see it again and again!

[ispirazione]

Someone in our Laziosky forum had introduced a link to watch the goals but it seems that it's not available now... Let me check for it later. Miha's goal is indeed fantastic! For three years as he said, maybe many people doubted the former expert was gone but he just prooved they were all wrong! That's encouraging to the team. So happy that we have such a great start of the season! A splendid year can be expected :thumbsup: :smoking:

[MarieL]

I can't wait for the league to start! It's gonna be interesting.

[Aaron]

http://www.raisport.rai.it/raiSportSezioneIndex/0,5785,_78_61_5272,00.html

There you go Juan!

[valdanito_10]

thanks alot man :thumbsup:

[Darran]

The goals were great especially the one by Mihajlovic, the freekick was inch-perfect top corner. I hope he finds his form and become the best freekick taker in the world again just like he did in the past and keepers feared his freekicks whenever he stepped up.

[ahmed]

thats what he said... last year he didn't score.. i hope that this year will be his best..

[Darran]

I am sure he will find his freekick taking form and score plenty of goals for us this season

[valdanito_10]

i mean, sho scores a hattrick from free kicks! only our Sinisa! :thumbsup:

[Komik 9]

I'm sure this free kick boosted his confidence, and scared all our opponents so this is only positive. I thought he lost that magic touch with extreme spin and power, but I guess it's back, I hope it is anyway.

[Darran]

The 2nd leg is coming soon! And I hope he is at the top of his form and cause real fear in the keeper. Mihajlovic is coming back and he would be our main danger in set pieces. Can't wait till the 27th of August!

[valdanito_10]

i am hungry for success

[MarieL]

We all are, but best remember that Benfica only have to beat us 2-0 and we're back in Uefa cup...

[valdanito_10]

i am aware of that puala, and i dont think lazio will leave thatgames with 0 goals, we play to win, and we play attacking football!


thegames is just 2 days ago, and we havnt heard of any injuries or any similar problems, it has been a calm week and the player are concious that this is no walk in tha park!


lazio have to qualify, that is where we belong alongside all the champions!


FORZA LAZIO

[romansky]

Benfica striker Sokota won't play against Champions League rivals Lazio on Wednesday. The Croatian star appears to have suffered a knee strain.

I wonder how much of an advantage it will be for us that the match is being played in Oporto instead of Lisbon? Hopefully last year's disaster for Lazio is Portugal's second city won't be repeated...

[valdanito_10]

all the fans can do is wait.. and hope!

[sslazioMelopez]

Im confident to say tat we will be through ! No doubt about it , as Lazio belong to the champion side . we are first seeded and if first seeded team dont go to the group phrase then where should we go ? Need i say more ? im hoping lazio will go further up and meet Man U in the second phrase or wat and kick their ass .......... tell the world there is 1 and only 1 number seven in Europe .Not Raul or Beckham but our speed demon Claudio Lopez . Go lazio be back in where u belong to . :)

[Darran]

I am relishing the prospect of Lazio facing Man Utd in the CL. I believe we can certainly match Man Utd in terms of class, we have the best defender in the world and a great midfield with Stankovic and Albertini plus a talented striker in Corradi. We just need to keep working hard and improve along the way, only then can we achieve our status as an European powerhouse. Btw, we have taken the lead through Cesar, 1-0 it is and 4-1 on aggregate.

[MarieL]

Lazio is back where it belongs! Playing with the top clubs of Europe. :)