Lazio vs Chievo Preview: Reja keeps Biancoceleste on boil

Posted Sunday, February 06, 2011 by PA

Lazio host Chievo looking to strengthen their Champions League qualifying ambitions.

Biancoceleste coach Edy Reja was delighted after his team held league leaders AC Milan to a goalless draw at the San Siro on Tuesday.

The result followed their 2-0 triumph over Fiorentina and took Lazio up to fourth in Serie A, level on 41 points with Inter Milan, who are third.

"We knew the strength of Milan," Reja said. "Milan have a powerful attack and we played a good game. They have a very talented side and it's an important point we took in Milan."

Lazio have kept a clean sheet in their last two league games and Reja expects more of the same when Chievo come to town.

"We played a perfect game on defence against Milan," Reja said. "My players did a great job to hold Milan's advances. We have to keep this intensity at the back to continue to get results."

The Romans have reason to be confident as they have won four of their last five games in the Eternal City.

Reja will make at least one change with respect to the midweek squad with Mauro Zarate returning from suspension. The Argentinian striker will partner Libor Kozak in Lazio's attack.

Chievo, meanwhile, will be looking to end an impressive week on a high note. The Flying Donkeys followed their 3-0 triumph over Brescia with a surprising 2-0 victory over Napoli in midweek.

Wednesday's result lifted Chievo to 10th in the table, nine points clear of the drop zone.

"It was a great game and a great victory for us," Chievo coach Stefano Pioli said. "But we still have a long way to go to defend our Serie A status. To have collected 30 points in 23 games is good, but not enough.

"We have to keep working because in football your fortunes can turn around when you least expect it."

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