Serie A Preview: AS Bari – SS Lazio
Galletti feeling the heat
I Biancorossi currently stand 11th in the league after accumulating eight points from opening six fixtures. Due to fierce competition in the Italian Serie A, Bari is just one of the six clubs to have eight points. Such statistics show that Bari
is just three points behind the second placed Inter Milan and also just three points above the relegation zone.
Italian clubs have had some inspired transfer campaigns and as a result, Galletti are expected to struggle for survival at the end of the season. Each and every point won will be of critical importance at the end of the season.
However, there is room for hope as the club is yet to lose at home. The club has earned seven points of a possible nine from home fixtures. Coach Giampiero Ventura will have to take drastic measures with the defence as the team has already leaked 9 goals
so far. With the departure of last season’s stalwart defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Ranocchia, the team is clearly struggling at the back.
Aquile soaring high
like a phoenix rising from its ash, Lazio have taken Serie A by storm this season and sit atop the Serie A charts. Last season’s disastrous campaign is already forgotten. The club has accumulated 13 points so far with their sole defeat coming against Sampdoria
on match day one.
Hernanes inspired Lazio has real belief in its self and the club will be aiming for a Champions League spot at the very least. If Coach Eduardo Reja can manage to keep the president Claudio Lotito away from his dreaded squad intrusions, this talented Biancocelesti
outfit can even challenge for Scudetto honours.
Where Bari has a strong home record, the Aquile have been equally impressive on their travels. Lazio has won its last two away fixtures. ACF Fiorentina and Chievo Verona both faced the Aquilotti wrath. Provided the squad doesn’t get complacent following
the International break, Lazio are expected to pocket the three points on the weekend.
Team News
AS Bari
Bari will only have the injury of Andrea Raggi to worry about. The rest of the squad is available for selection.
Expected Formation
Bari usually line up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation and no tactical change is expected. José Ignacio Castillo and highly talented Barreto will lead the line. Sergio Almiron will lead the midfield. Edgar Alvarez and Abdel Ghezzal will provide the width.
With a poor defence in front of him, Club Captain Jean-François Gillet will have to show his years of experience.
Probable line up
Gillet, Nicola Belmonte, Andrea Masiello, Marco Rossi, Salvatore Masiello, Edgar Alvarez, Massimo Donati, Sergio Almiron, Adbelkader Ghezzal, Barreto, José Ignacio Castillo
SS Lazio
Lazio will have to play without the service of Mourad Meghni, Matuzalem and Luis Pedro Cavanda as the trio is out injured.
Expected Formation
Reja is expected to start in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Sergio Floccari leading the line. Stefano Mauri and Mauro Zarate will flank a brilliant Hernanes who will take the trequartista role; a position he is tailor made for. Cristain Brocchi and Ledesma will
hold the midfield. The defence will be confident knowing they have Fernando Muslera in goal.
Probable line up
Fernando Muslera, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giuseppe Biava, Andre Dias, Stefan Radu, Stefano Mauri, Cristian Ledesma, Cristian Brocchi , Stefano Mauri, Hernanes, Mauro Zarate, Sergio Floccari
Key Players
Jean-François Gillet
Hernanes and Floccari are striking great chemistry and the Bari defence is expected to crumble. Gillet will have to lead from the back and show inspired form.
Hernanes
Arguably the best player in Serie A so far, Hernanes will look to continue the dream start to his European adventure with another master class in playmaking.
Prediction
Bari has shown good form at home but the visit from The Eagles will be too big a task for the Galletti. Lazio will win the match by a 2 – 0 score line.
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