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In the portal EuroFootball.com - section "Fan Thoughts"! Before the most important, interesting, and highly anticipated matches, we talk to fans who passionately support the teams entering the battlefield.
As we approach the intriguing derby of Italy's Serie A between and teams, 'eagles' forum member Centron agreed to answer our 10 questions.
"EuroFootball.com": Briefly introduce yourself.
Centron: My name is Paulius, I am a student. In childhood, like most Lithuanians, I enjoyed basketball more and only later became interested in football, so for about 5 years now I regularly follow the news, watch matches.
"EuroFootball.com": How did you start supporting "Lazio"? Have you been a fan of this club for a long time? What were the first 'eagles' matches you saw and what was the outcome?
Centron: Uh... I remember the first matches well. They were truly extraordinary - the derby at the beginning of 2005 against "Roma," which "Lazio" won 3-1. Goals, emotions, and not entirely football-related things - everything was unbelievable.
I seriously started supporting the club maybe two years ago. Now I hardly miss any matches.
"EuroFootball.com": Who is your favorite all-time player from "Lazio"? What would you pick out from the current squad?
Centron: I won't be original here and I'll say Paolo Di Canio. Because he was the hero of those first matches I saw and a man who is an example to today's money-hungry players who chase bigger contracts. A player who truly loves his club is a big plus. Players like Di Canio, Peruzzi, or Oddo helped 'Lazio' during those harsh times not to disappear from the 'Serie A' map.
Well, I won't surprise anyone by mentioning Hernanes from the current squad. Just an extraordinary player. The 13 million euros we paid for him is simply robbery. It is also worth mentioning Mauro Zarate, but the Argentine's problems are well known. After Delio Rossi's departure, other coaches simply can't utilize him properly, and that is truly annoying. He is simply put on the edge, constantly receives the ball near the line, and in that position, he has to try to break through several opponents alone. True, in this season's match against "Napoli," Zarate played as a striker and tore apart the opponents' defense throughout the match. However, Reja still later moved him back to the edge.
"EuroFootball.com": Share your most painful and pleasant memories from past Rome derbies.
Centron: The last two defeats in the 'Serie A' championships were quite painful. Especially last season - the team played well, scored first, but two very stupid mistakes cost us three points. Totti and the other "Roma" players' antics after those matches made everything even worse.
The best memory is probably the victory in 2009 with a score of 4-2. The start was something else - 2-0 on the scoreboard by the 4th minute. And the match itself was a real derby - full of passions, controversies, etc. In short - a fabulous match.
"EuroFootball.com": This season, "Roma" and "Lazio" faced each other twice and both times the 'Romans' triumphed. Can it be said that "Roma" is simply a stronger team this year?
Centron: No. The league table also confirms that. "Roma" just had better luck in the derbies. In the first match, even the referee played his part. Every detail is very important in derbies.
"EuroFootball.com": What factors will have the biggest impact on the outcome of Sunday's match?
Centron: Often in such derbies, the crucial impact comes from the fighting spirit. Just as an example, one can mention the derbies of the Di Canio era. "Lazio," compared to this season, had a significantly weaker squad, "Roma" was the stronger team "on paper," but the 'eagles' still showed a good performance because the class difference was compensated by great desire and fighting spirit. All 11 players on the field were true fighters, ready to scratch the throats of "Roma" players. Currently, "Lazio" really lacks that. Unlike "Roma," we don't have players who are true 'Lazio' fans.
It will also be interesting to see how "Roma" will be motivated. Their recent results are really not impressive - this week they were beaten by Brazilian 'shakhineers' in Ukraine. Of course, before that, their results were also not shining, and for understandable reasons, Ranieri was dismissed. It intrigues whether Montella will be able to psychologically prepare his team.
"EuroFootball.com": Is there a player in the opponent's team that you would like to see wearing 'eagles' colors? Which opponent's player do you dislike the most?
Centron: I wouldn't want to see any "Roma" player wearing 'biancocelesti'," but I have to admit that I like Menes’ game. Yes, he has a lazy streak in him that often shows, but he also has talent. It is really interesting to watch his performances.
The answer to the second part of this question is very clear - Totti. I never really “overgrew” him. Just a dirty player, often disrespectful to opponents.
"EuroFootball.com": What is your stance on the "Roma" club - positive or negative? Why?
Centron: Only negative. Most fans don't like to look in the mirror. Last year, when "Lazio" fans supported "Inter" in the matches against them to prevent "Roma" from winning the title, there were just too many insults directed mostly at the "Roma" fans, even though they have done the same thing before. If I'm not mistaken, in 1994 'Romans' supported "Udinese" in a match against 'their club because if "Udinese" had won, "Fiorentina" would have been relegated to "Serie B." That's exactly what happened, but many prefer to ignore that fact.
"EuroFootball.com": How do you rate the results of the "Lazio" team this season? What changes are needed in the team to make them even better?
Centron: It must be admitted that the results are excellent. Fourth place after 28 games played is a fantastic result. However, the team's performance recently has some negative aspects. It is very annoying that after scoring a goal, "Lazio" players seem to stop playing. I don't know if it's a coach's instruction to pull back after gaining an advantage or if there are psychological problems, but such a "let-down" after scoring is a problem. To have a fantastic start against a completely demoralized "Palermo" team - great start, pressure, and a goal by the 7th minute. Another one after ten minutes. But then - a complete let-down. The initiative was lost, the pressure vanished, and trying to score another goal was not even attempted by the team. Fires started at our goal. It's a relief that "Palermo" looked so bad and couldn't score. But there are many examples of such let-downs this season. Moreover, the team plays boring football, which is not enjoyable at all.
The squad itself this year is not bad, but there is certainly room for improvement. First of all, a good left-back is needed to return Radu to the center of defense. A tall striker would also be helpful.
"EuroFootball.com": What will be the final result of today's match? Who will score goals?
Centron: The hardest question of all. Well, let it be - 2-1 in favor of "Lazio." Goals to be scored by, let's say, Sculli and Floccari.
operationZero: In your opinion, will "Lazio" qualify for the next season's UEFA Champions League tournament? The team has a budget that is not enormous, there are not many players with high-level football experience, so what are the hopes in Europe?
Centron: It is very difficult to predict such things. "Udinese" has been breathing down our necks for a long time, their form is very good now, and Di Natale and Sanchez score plenty of goals. I have a bad feeling that "Lazio" may not handle it. However, there is still a good chance to overtake "Napoli" - the Neapolitans lead by just two points, their form has slightly declined. We have to take advantage of that. Most likely, the matches against direct rivals will decide "Lazio's" fate in the battle for places in the Champions League.
Securing that coveted fourth place would first of all be nice to avoid "bumping into" an English club in the knockout phase that finished fourth, no matter who they are - whether it be "Man City," "Tottenham," or "Chelsea," they would be very difficult to beat. I believe we can defeat teams from other leagues. So the goal would be to first get into the group stage. I have no doubt that we would perform better than in the 2007 - 2008 season. Well, unless our president Lotito comes up with some nonsense to ruin it.
"EuroFootball.com": Thank you for your time!
"Roma" - "Lazio": fan thoughts (Part I)
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