Controversial Lazio skipper Tommaso Rocchi is set to remain with the club after President Claudio Lotito revealed that despite attracting interest from Genoa and Palermo, the striker is determined to continue with the capital club.

Lazio is traditionally considered as of Italy’s strong club’s, however, le Aquile have experienced a difficult few seasons  in the league climaxing last summer when a number of their stars decided to call it quits and look for greener pastures.

The then strikers Goran Pandev and Christian Ledesma  put in offers asking to be released from the club but Davide Ballardini would have none of it. He resorted to benching both players for much of the season until a court ruling granted Pandev and Ledesma permission to leave the Roman side.

By this time, Lazio had slipped down the Serie A table to 18th place and pressure from their fans left Claudio Lotito with no option but to show Ballardini the door. Edy Reja took over from the 46 year old and helped Lazio finish the season in 12 place.

With Serbian defender Aleksanda Kolarov being sold to Manchester city for 19 million Pounds, it was believed that the Roman club would move to secure Genoa’s Roberto Aquafresca in a swap deal, however, that did not materialise.

Meanwhile, Lazio coach Edy Reja is due to meet with club president Claudio Lotito to discuss matters concerning new signings. Of keen interest to Reja is Parma’s left back Luca Antonelli who Reja believes would be Kolarov’s excellent replacement.

However, the former Milan defender is valued at a whopping 10 million Euros. This is causing delays in both clubs reaching an agreement. Arch rivals AS Roma on the other hand have been very active in the market and will be looking to extend their fierce rivalry for another season.

Photo credit: from sslbiancoceleste

Manchester City have completed the signing of Lazio left-back Aleksandar Kolarov after agreeing an £14.1 million deal.

Roberto Mancini spoke to the Man City’s web site regradging the new signing, and confirmed that Kolarov’s arrival doesn’t mean that Wayne Bridge will be leaving Eastlands:“I want two top class players for each position,”

Mancini became aware of Kolarov’s ability when he managed Inter Milan in Seria A. The Italian revealed he had been admirer of the Serbian even back then:

“I first saw Kolarov in his Lazio debut back in 2007,” revealed the manager. “He was composed on the ball had an excellent delivery with his left foot and was technically very able. I have watched him a lot since then and so have the Manchester City scouts. His attacking capability is very good. He is fast and can shoot with power and accuracy. He also has the ability to play in numerous positions and is very good in midfield. This is an additional benefit to the team. He has a fantastic international career ahead of him. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Kolarov played twice for Serbia at the World Cup in South Africa and will join fellow new signings David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng.

Photo credit: mcfc.co.uk

Despite the statement from their vice president, Adriano Galliani, saying that Ac Milan will not be purchasing until they sell some of their players, rumors regarding the team’s possible summer signings keeps on flooding. The latest inclusion that hit the Italian media is that the Rossoneri is back on the race to sign Lazio’s midfielder, Cristian Ledesma, who last season has also been linked with the red and black squad.

Reports stated that Milan will eventually bid for Ledesma, who only has one year left in his contract, should they loose Gennaro Gatusso who could go to United Arab Emirates. If the scenario happens, the Italian press believed the Rossoneri will push for the Argentinian who is being valued around 7 million Euro, the price that the Diavolo Rosso could still agree with despite their tight budget policy.

More speculation that arose stated that, Ledesma would be a key figure on the future Allegri’s Milan which could play a diamond 4-4-2 formation, as the technical abilities of the 28-years-old player would fit the style that the former Cagliar coach’s wanted for his team. Despite hasn’t been playing lots of football last season, Ledesma undoubtedly possessed the technical qualities that puts him among the most talented centrocampista in Serie A as he does have a good passing range, vision, and dead ball executions.

Personally, I’m sure that many Milan fans would accept the transfer should it happens as the club is dying to have a fresh qualities in that core of the team’s playing. Although, there are demands by the tifosi for the club to sign younger players, the devotees should realize that Ledesma is indeed a quality act that could really help the team next season. Surely, his price tag that is well in reach of Milan’s financial abilities would make him a reasonable targets for the Rossoneri to strengthen their squad while they curiously awaits the result of their youth programs. Overall, the Argentinian could be one an important signing for the fashion capital club in their bid to challenge for a title this summer.

photo credit: VanDammeMaarten.be

Not only providing some interesting surprises, the 2010 World Cup also produces some exciting talents that attract the eyes of many Serie A clubs, even the less spender squad such as Lazio reportedly are preparing a bid for a talented African “Prince”. For those who watched this year’s World Cup might already notice the certain “Prince” that I’m referring too, he is Ghana’s exciting midfielder, Kevin Prince Boateng.

The Porstmouth’s starlet has shown lots of potential during this World Cup, carrying “Essienless” Ghana’s midfield to compete with many strong footballing countries, taking the Black Star on course for the quarter final where they will try to escape Uruguay’s threat. Kevin’s hard working style and exquisite technique did play a big part in creating that immense force on the African side’s midfield area that allowed them to shine in the event.

Despite has been performing solidly throughout the group stage, Prince Boateng’s undisputed breakthrough comes at the round of 16 where he storm pass the USA’s barricade and scores a cracking goal that opens op Ghana’s victory that day. That exciting performance awards him a sure call from Lazio, as the former German’s youth team player himself that confirms the Biancoceleste’s interest on him stating that he will discuss about everything after World Cup.

I know that Lazio are very interested in me, but right now I must only focus on the World Cup,” Boateng stated to Sky Italy.” It is too important an appointment for me. We will talk about this at the right time.”

Surely, it is rather surprising that only Lazio that seems keen of having Boateng’s services, regarding the capital club is not known for their spending and looks more like a selling team in Serie A. Not only that, with the fact that there’s a big crisis that troubles’ Portsmouth, they would surely take as much as cash they can get for their stars, surely if there was any other team that set eyes on him, Lazio might fail to acquire his service.

However since there’s seem a little interest from other Serie A side, this would be the best chance for the Roman based club to snatch the player before bigger teams that have more money comes in to join the bidding war. Boateng’s quality, will surely bring an enterprising lift for Lazio next season and could also adds more quality for the Serie A as he might be the new start that could light up the Italian league next summer.

photo credit: batrax

This weekend’s round of fixtures proved to be a mouth-watering affair. On Saturday night Juventus played host to Inter Milan who they eventually beat 2-1 to cut down the champions lead over them to just 5 points.

Earlier on, Ac milan beat Sampdoria 3-0 at the San Siro. Their star player Ronaldinho was once again at the heart of every Milan attack and he showed just why he is an integral part of Leonardo’s long term plans. The Brazilian maestro supplied two crosses that eventually led to 2 of Milan’s goals.

Things are heating up in the scudetto race with all the ‘big four’ proving to be no push-overs this time round. Roma who had started the season poorly, seem to have found a winnig formula and it has taken them all the way up to 6 th position in the league standings.

Last night, they hosted fellow city rivals Lazio in a fierce derby that ended with Roma getting all the 3 points thanks to a 79th minute strike from their defender Marco Cassetti. This derby was like all the others in fact play had to be stopped because the fans continually threw firecrackers into the pitch.

Lazio are now in 15 position and it might have very well been Davide Ballardini’s last game in charge as the Rome outfit are looking for answers to their poor showings. Goran Pandev was once again left on the bench after Ballardini lost faith in him.

The Macedonian international fell out of favour with his coach after he publicly stated his desire to leave the club. I truly think that Ballardini is only making matters worse for his team. Pandev is an amazing striker and i think Ballardini should draw the line and swallow his pride. They could really use a player of his calibre at this point in time.

One thing is for sure, the title race is far from over. Although Inter are leading the table, its hard to know who will be crowned the champions of Italy when the season ends.

Lazio and Sampdoria have flattered to deceive in Serie A this term despite their attacking potential but Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final offers a chance to end the season on a high and qualify for Europe.

Lazio, 10th in the league, lost 3-1 at home to Udinese on Saturday with their eyes firmly fixed on the Cup final which will be played at their Stadio Olimpico base in Rome.

Fans hoped the club would be pushing for a Champions League berth this season with strikers Tommaso Rocchi, Goran Pandev and Mauro Zarate among the most dangerous in Serie A.

Inconsistency has been the problem for Delio Rossi’s side, however, but Rocchi is determined to reach the Europa League through winning the much-maligned Cup.

“We thought about this game too early. Now we must turn the page and prepare for the final, thinking only about winning it,” the captain said.

Macedonia’s Pandev is battling to overcome a thigh problem while midfielder Pasquale Foggia has an ankle knock and Brazilian Matuzalem is suspended.

Sampdoria, sixth last term but only 12th this season, hammered lowly Reggina 5-0 on Saturday despite fielding a reserve side with the final in mind.

Inspirational playmaker Antonio Cassano will return up front alongside Giampaolo Pazzini, a partnership which has gradually lifted Samp from near the drop zone since the latter joined from Fiorentina in January.

“I never like to use the word ‘win’ before games for reasons of fate. We’ve got to try to do it without thinking about it too much. In these games, little incidents make the difference,” coach Walter Mazzarri said. ”For us, it is already a great result to have reached this final after 15 years.”

Lazio reached the Italian Cup final with a 2-1 win at Juventus which completed a 4-2 aggregate semi-final victory on Wednesday.  Argentine forward Mauro Zarate curled a splendid right-foot shot into the corner in the 38th minute and Serb full back Aleksandar Kolarov doubled the lead with a deflected strike soon after halftime.

Captain Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench to pull one back for Juve, who had substitute Mauro Camoranesi sent off in the closing stages when he protested after being booked.

The exit came in a difficult week for Juventus with the storm caused by the racist chants their fans directed at Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli last weekend.

It left them with little hope of winning a trophy this season as they are 10 points behind leaders Inter Milan in joint second in Serie A and speculation about coach Claudio Ranieri’s future is likely to increase

“All these rumours (about me) are definitely not good for the players, but that’s no excuse,” Ranieri told Rai television.

The visitors started well, with Pasquale Foggia using a freedom to roam to good effect and Zarate thrashing a powerful shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Ranieri tried to inject extra zeal at halftime by bringing on experienced midfielders Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi but Kolarov effectively wrapped up the tie with a powerful shot that ballooned beyond keeper Gianluigi Buffon’s reach after hitting Zdenek Grygera.

They responded with pride, giving Lazio a series of scares and Vincenzo Iaquinta came close before being substituted for Del Piero while Nedved struck the post with a header.

“We’ve deserved this final,” Lazio coach Delio Rossi said. “We’ve come up against important teams, we knocked out AC Milan, we’ve knocked out Juventus. I’m happy above all for these lads because we’ve had ups and downs this year.”

Wednesday’s game will be the last time Juventus’s fans can see their team at home for a while unless they win their appeal against the decision to have the May 3 game against Lecce played behind closed doors for the chants directed at Balotelli in Saturday’s 1-1 Serie A draw.

The final will be at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, Lazio’s and AS Roma’s home ground, on May 13.

Nickname(s): The Eagles, The Sky Blues

All-Time Ranking: 6th

2007/2008 Finish: 12th

2008/2009 Position (as of 04/07): 9th

Coach: Delio Rossi

Key Players: Mauro Zarate, Goran Pendev, Cristian Ledesma

History:

Lazio was founded in 1900 and has been one of Serie A’s more consistent squads. They have won the league title twice, including most recently in 2000. They have also hoisted the Coppa Italia trophy four times. The squad plays its home matches in the historic Stadio Olimpico, which has the largest capacity of any stadium in all of Italy.

The club has featured some of Serie A’s most talented players, including Silvio Piola, Christian Vieri and Hernan Crespo. Unfortunately, the team has twice come under scrutiny for being involved in match-fixing (1980 and 2006) and struggled to recover from both incidents. They now have talent, but usually reside near the middle of the table. 

American Sports Doppleganger:

Lazio has historically been a strong side, and they are one of only two teams other than Juventus, Inter and Milan to win a title in the last two decades. But, they have also been embroiled in two hurtful scandals. So, I think Lazio best resembles the Chicago White Sox of MLB, who also won a recent title but have suffered through notorious scandals.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has blasted Manchester United, accusing them of blackmailing families with cash rewards to persuade rising talents to sign with the club.

The verbal attack came only a couple of days after former Lazio youth product Federico Macheda scored a last-gasp winner against Aston Villa on Sunday to fire United back to the top of the Premier League table.

Macheda joined the Red Devils in 2007 from Lazio. The Roman club were unable to offer the player a professional contract because Italian law states a player has to be 18 to sign such a document.

Meanwhile the law in England is different: players can sign a professional deal when they are just 16. This meant Manchester United were not breaking any rules when they signed the striker.

Nevertheless, it has left Lotito furious and he has blasted the English side for taking advantage of the different laws in order to land him.

“We always knew Macheda was a great player, so much so that we did everything to keep him here,” Lotito told Sky Sport Italia. ”We tried to tell Manchester United many times, but we couldn’t do anything about it. Our sporting director at the time tried to stop Macheda from leaving. However, it’s the law in place at the moment which allows these shameful things to happen. Manchester United are not new to these attitudes. They always take players using wrong methods without any ethical codes. They tempt parents with big money and offers of work.”

Lazio came from behind to beat Juventus 2-1 at home in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final thanks to second-half goals by Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi.

Macedonia striker Pandev controlled a rebounded Stephan Lichtsteiner shot before spinning around and finding into the far corner on 65 minutes. Rocchi then sprinted on to a though ball and slid in to fire home and give the Rome side a precious advantage 12 minutes from time.

Midfielder Marco Marchionni had put Juventus in front in the 34th minute, intercepting a loose clearance and driving in with the help of a deflection.

The visitors made the brighter start and striker Vincenzo Iaquinta had a goal disallowed for offside early on, although TV replays suggested he was in line with the last defender when he received the ball.

Lazio responded well and Juve keeper Alex Manninger, standing in for the rested Gianluigi Buffon, did well to repel a diagonal Rocchi shot and a Cristian Ledesma free kick later in the first half.

Rocchi then missed a good chance from short range at the end of a slick move shortly after the break.

The hosts keep pressing hard after Pandev’s goal and Pasquale Foggia forced two more good saves from Manninger before Rocchi scored a deserved winner.

Serie A champions Internazionale visit Sampdoria in the other last-four, first leg on Wednesday. The return matches are in April.