Lazio vs Fiorentina preview - Behrami eyes dream Viola debut

Posted Saturday, January 29, 2011 by PA

New Fiorentina midfielder Valon Behrami is hoping for a dream debut against his old club on Saturday.

The Switzerland international spent three years at Lazio before moving to England in 2008.

The 25-year-old is poised to make his first appearance with the Viola at the Stadio Olimpico after joining this week from West Ham for two million euros.

"It is a coincidence that on my return to Serie A I will play my first game at Lazio," said Behrami, who has signed a contract with Fiorentina until June 2014.

"But this game will only be special because I will make my debut with the Viola.

"It will be a difficult game and not just because it's my former club but because both teams are going through a delicate time.

"For us it is a game away from home."

Fiorentina have not won on the road since last March and have collected just five points away from the Artemio Franchi stadium this campaign.

Behrami is eager to rectify those figures.

"I feel that I'm here to help the team improve," said Behrami.

"West Ham has been an important experience for me. I have learnt a lot and I intend to prove that at Fiorentina.

"The team has to have the strength not to get depressed.

"I see the fans down but this is an important team, that needs confidence and calmness to do well."

Sinisa Mihajlovic's Fiorentina have avoided defeat in the last four league games and Sunday's 1-1 draw against Lecce saw them climb to 11th place.

Lazio, meanwhile, have won one of their last four league games and last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Bologna dropped Edy Reja's men to fourth place.

The Biancoceleste have suffered a blow ahead of this weekend's match in Rome with striker Mauro Zarate handed a three-match ban by the Italian league as punishment for his actions following last weekend's loss at Bologna.

The 23-year-old attempted to spark a confrontation at the end of the clash.

With Giuseppe Sculli and Tommaso Rocchi out injured, Reja will be forced to field Hernanes in support of Sergio Floccari in Lazio's attack.