Lecce vs Lazio preview - Cuadrado gives backing to Cosmi

Posted Saturday, December 10, 2011 by PA

Lecce midfielder Juan Guillermo Cuadrado believes Serse Cosmi is the right man to lead the promoted club to Serie A safety.

Cosmi was unveiled as the new Lecce coach this week and faces his first test against Lazio.

Cuadrado hopes this weekend will mark a turning point for his side.

"Saturday's game is like a final for us," Cuadrado said. "The common thought in the dressing room is to get some points against Lazio.

"It's a very difficult game for us but the only thing in our minds is to claim a win."

Cosmi replaced Eusebio Di Francesco, who was sacked following last weekend's 4-2 loss at Napoli.

The result marked Lecce's third straight defeat and left the Salentini at the foot of the standings, with eight points and just two wins from 13 games.

Lecce vs Lazio preview - Cuadrado gives backing to Cosmi

Cosmi has experience coaching in Italy's top flight having managed Brescia, Livorno and Palermo, and Cuadrado believes the 53-year-old will do the job at Lecce.

"Cosmi has given me a good impression so far," he said. "The club considered it appropriate to make a coaching change.

"He seems serious, correct and hard working."

Lecce have not tasted victory at home this season and go into this weekend's clash six points from safety.

Opponents Lazio consolidated fourth place in Serie A on Monday evening with a convincing 3-0 victory over Novara.

That win lifted the Romans five points clear of fifth-placed Napoli.

Lazio coach Edy Reja will be hoping to have the team's top scorer Miroslav Klose available for the encounter at the Via del Mare stadium.

Klose sustained an ankle injury in training and is doubtful.