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Goal Lazio: How A Rebel Renaissance Could Help Lazio Avoid The Drop
As the Aquile secured their first victory in 105 days last weekend, Goal.com’s Lazio expert Stefano Federici takes a closer look at the contributions of two former outcasts who are playing to restore their damaged names…
| Bet: | Returns: | Lazio £22.50 | Draw £32.00 | Atl. Madrid £29.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Lazio £22.50 | Draw £32.00 | Atl. Madrid £27.50 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Lazio £23.00 | Draw £32.50 | Atl. Madrid £27.50 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Lazio £22.50 | Draw £33.00 | Atl. Madrid £32.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Lazio £23.00 | Draw £32.00 | Atl. Madrid £28.00 |
|
Dec 18, 2009 8:00:38 PM
Lazio finally returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon following an intensely fought affair against a high flying Genoa outfit. As the loyal Olimpico crowd provided encouragement in what proved to be a vital victory for the extremely fragile environment, coach Davide Ballardini could finally breath a sigh of relief as his side moved three points away from the drop zone.
Whilst the result may prove important in the long term future of the current Aquile tactician, it was certainly an afternoon to remember for two of Lazio’s marginalised players – Guglielmo Stendardo and Fabio Firmani. More than professional achievements, the pair both enjoyed great moments of personal satisfaction as they took centre stage in an afternoon of glory, following months of suffering.
The Biancocelesti now have a chance to press the reset button as they near the close of the year and the start of the winter break. The opportunity to pass by the festive period in a slightly less perilous position owes solely to the sacrifices of a rare few, who have swallowed their pride and rolled up their sleeves in order to heed the call of their side in need.
Setting The Stendardo Back In The Lazio Defence
Taking a closer look at the efforts of Guglielmo Stendardo, it is quite astonishing to believe the Neapolitan stopper was left out in the cold for so long despite the Biancocelesti’s numerous defensive issues in recent seasons. After becoming an irreplaceable pillar of the defence for four games now following his re-introduction into the side a month ago, the Biancocelesti have conceded just once in 360 minutes of playing time.
Given the manner in which ‘Willy’ was marginalised from the squad following a bust up with coach Delio Rossi after a Champions League game in Madrid, few could have predicted his return to the fray as he was repeatedly sent out on loan in a bid to find new employers. After winning a damages case against president Claudio Lotito just over twelve months ago, the trainee lawyer showed great decency as he contributed all his compensation to charity.
Firmani Has Never Said A Bad Word Against Lazio
A similar story has been that of Fabio Firmani who proved to be one of the best on the field on Sunday, despite not having played a full 90 minutes for what seems like an eternity now. Forced to train apart alongside Stendardo, Ledesma, Pandev, Berni, Manfredini, and Artipoli, the Roman born midfielder found himself in the dark for so called ‘technical choices’.
Described as a ‘grafter’ by coach Ballardini in the lead up to last weekend’s encounter, the midfielder had never spoken out against the club as he continued to plug away in anonymity collecting a meagre eight appearances in the last three seasons.
When he was finally given his chance to once again don the blue and white of his beloved Lazio, the 31 year old didn’t waste a second as he battled for every ball showing a fight and desire in the middle of the park, not seen at the Olimpico since the days of Diego Pablo Simeone.
Whilst Firmani has never reached the technical heights of ‘El Cholo’, the Roman certainly sits level with the Argentinian star in terms of respect from the Curva Nord faithful. As they chanted “We want 11 Firmani’s” during the victory over the Grifoni, the Olimpico crowd rightly showed its appreciation for a player who gave every last joule of energy to earn that extra inch over a tricky opposition.
Lazio must now start again from here. With 16 points from 16 games the road to survival is still a long one, but it seems Ballardini has been given the green light to count on such elements at a time when there was no where else to turn.
Let’s not forget that before being professional footballers Stendardo and Firmani are men who have demonstrated humility far greater than that of the current Lazio leadership. Despite having worked in the face of adversity, the pair has undergone an incredible re-birth and could now prove vital as they look to come to the rescue of the Biancocelesti.
Stefano Federici, Goal.com
Whilst the result may prove important in the long term future of the current Aquile tactician, it was certainly an afternoon to remember for two of Lazio’s marginalised players – Guglielmo Stendardo and Fabio Firmani. More than professional achievements, the pair both enjoyed great moments of personal satisfaction as they took centre stage in an afternoon of glory, following months of suffering.
The Biancocelesti now have a chance to press the reset button as they near the close of the year and the start of the winter break. The opportunity to pass by the festive period in a slightly less perilous position owes solely to the sacrifices of a rare few, who have swallowed their pride and rolled up their sleeves in order to heed the call of their side in need.
Setting The Stendardo Back In The Lazio Defence
Taking a closer look at the efforts of Guglielmo Stendardo, it is quite astonishing to believe the Neapolitan stopper was left out in the cold for so long despite the Biancocelesti’s numerous defensive issues in recent seasons. After becoming an irreplaceable pillar of the defence for four games now following his re-introduction into the side a month ago, the Biancocelesti have conceded just once in 360 minutes of playing time.
Given the manner in which ‘Willy’ was marginalised from the squad following a bust up with coach Delio Rossi after a Champions League game in Madrid, few could have predicted his return to the fray as he was repeatedly sent out on loan in a bid to find new employers. After winning a damages case against president Claudio Lotito just over twelve months ago, the trainee lawyer showed great decency as he contributed all his compensation to charity.
Firmani Has Never Said A Bad Word Against Lazio
A similar story has been that of Fabio Firmani who proved to be one of the best on the field on Sunday, despite not having played a full 90 minutes for what seems like an eternity now. Forced to train apart alongside Stendardo, Ledesma, Pandev, Berni, Manfredini, and Artipoli, the Roman born midfielder found himself in the dark for so called ‘technical choices’.
Described as a ‘grafter’ by coach Ballardini in the lead up to last weekend’s encounter, the midfielder had never spoken out against the club as he continued to plug away in anonymity collecting a meagre eight appearances in the last three seasons.
When he was finally given his chance to once again don the blue and white of his beloved Lazio, the 31 year old didn’t waste a second as he battled for every ball showing a fight and desire in the middle of the park, not seen at the Olimpico since the days of Diego Pablo Simeone.
Whilst Firmani has never reached the technical heights of ‘El Cholo’, the Roman certainly sits level with the Argentinian star in terms of respect from the Curva Nord faithful. As they chanted “We want 11 Firmani’s” during the victory over the Grifoni, the Olimpico crowd rightly showed its appreciation for a player who gave every last joule of energy to earn that extra inch over a tricky opposition.
Lazio must now start again from here. With 16 points from 16 games the road to survival is still a long one, but it seems Ballardini has been given the green light to count on such elements at a time when there was no where else to turn.
Let’s not forget that before being professional footballers Stendardo and Firmani are men who have demonstrated humility far greater than that of the current Lazio leadership. Despite having worked in the face of adversity, the pair has undergone an incredible re-birth and could now prove vital as they look to come to the rescue of the Biancocelesti.
Stefano Federici, Goal.com
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