Lazio lean but hungry

By Paolo Menicucci

After saving S.S. Lazio from bankruptcy, president Claudio Lotito is continuing his project to improve the Italian club's financial situation while keeping the team competitive. A 3-0 win in the first leg of their UEFA Intertoto Cup third-round tie against Tampere United showed the side are moving in the right direction.

Tax break
Four months ago, Lazio were teetering on the brink of financial ruin after Lotito inherited significant debts from former owner Sergio Cragnotti. However, the president struck a deal to allow Lazio to settle their €140m unpaid tax bill over the next 23 years thus ensuring the Rome outfit's survival.

Rossi hired
The first difficult decision of the summer was selecting the coach to replace Giuseppe Papadopulo, who resigned at the end of last season. Lotito went for former Atalanta BC coach Delio Rossi. "He is experienced and a great worker," said Lotito.

Coaching philosophy
"I like working with players ready to give everything for the shirt they are wearing," explained Rossi. "Tactics are not so important - the spirit is what counts most. I'm not used to giving too many responsibilities to individual players. The team is more important than individuals."

Potential clash
Many critics observed that charismatic Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio might struggle to accept such a philosophy, having had problems with Papadopulo last term. However, the 37-year-old put in a classy performance against Finnish opponents Tampere, scoring the third goal and giving Rossi a hug when he was substituted in the second half. "He is like a teacher for us," Di Canio said of Rossi. "He explains his ideas very clearly. Personally I feel in great form. I feel ten years younger than I actually am."

Total commitment
"Di Canio has a great personality," Rossi added. "After spending many years abroad he returned among his people to help his beloved club. I have no problems with players who are ready to give everything for the team and Di Canio is certainly one of them."

Signing spree
With a few players having left and others discussing new contracts, Lotito is sure he can build a competitive squad for 2005/06. Having signed nine players on transfer deadline day last summer, Lazio will be expected to make a few more additions in the remaining month of this summer's transfer window.

Great debut
The players who have already arrived impressed against Tampere, especially Manuel Belleri, who opened the scoring with a fantastic left-foot volley. The 27-year-old right-back joined from Udinese Calcio where he appeared 22 times last season. "I could not have dreamt of a better start," the former Empoli FC player admitted.

Defender survives
Even the 25-year-old Brazilian defender Emilson Cribari played well against Tampere, proving he has fully recovered from the knee injury that limited him to only eight games at Udinese in 2004/05. "I have found a great group here," he said. "Everyone is very humble and ready to help each other."

Exciting adventure
Meanwhile, 27-year-old midfielder Fabio Firmani - signed from Catania Calcio - proved he can step into the shoes of Giuliano Giannichedda, who has gone to Juventus FC. With experienced campaigners like Angelo Peruzzi, César, Tommaso Rocchi and Di Canio, and the enthusiasm of the new boys - the latest being Albania centre-forward Igli Tare - success against Tampere could yet be the start of an exciting European adventure.