Catania - Lazio preview

Catania (5 pts, 11th place)
vs.
Lazio (-1 pt, 18th place)
15:00 CET (9:00 AM EDT) Sun, Oct 22
behind closed doors at
Stadio Via del Mare, Lecce

US TV: FSC (live)

Lazio is in for a tricky match as they head to an empty ground at Lecce to face Catania. The game, whose site has been moved twice now, is being played at a neutral site after Catania was handed a two-match home stadium ban for improper actions by their fans at their September 23 derby against Messina.

Catania has not fared well since their opening match of the season when they defeated Cagliari 1-0, but that does not mean Lazio shouldn't be concerned. The empty stadium will be an uncomfortable atmosphere for both squads, and could affect Lazio's play just as much as Catania's. Additionally, Lazio will be playing with a depleted squad. Massimo Oddo will be out, serving the first half of his two-match disqualification after sharing harsh words with the linesman at the end of last week's match with Cagliari. On Friday, there was more bad news from Formello, Lazio's practice site. Tommaso Rocchi did not practice due to a problem with his right thigh, and is listed as questionable for Sunday. If he is unable to play, Igli Tare will start in his place at forward. As such, the Lazio lineup is looking like this:

Peruzzi
Belleri-Siviglia-Stendardo-Zauri
Manfredini-Baronio-Mudingayi-Mauri
Pandev-Tare

Pasquale Foggia has recovered from his minor injury and will probably replace Mauri or Manfredini in the second half. Expect a scrappy game with the Sicilians that could go either way.

Prediction: Catania 0-1 Lazio. Goal by Igli, maybe?