Lazio's 2010-11 campaign threatened to go off track in January as they struggled for points, for wins and for goals. Prior to last weekend's encounter with Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, the former Italian champions had won just one in four league encounters in the new year and had also been knocked out of the Coppa Italia by eternal rivals Roma.
However, things have taken a turn for the better since last weekend when they defeated Fiorentina 2-0 in Rome. That was followed by an encouraging goalless draw with league leaders Milan at San Siro on Tuesday evening and kept Lazio in the race for the Scudetto with 41 points from 23 matches, seven points off the pace.
Coach Edy Reja, though, has forever insisted that they are not fighting for the title but for a spot in the top-six to qualify for Europe next season. In this respect the Biancocelesti are well on course to fulfilling their objective. However, they will need to defeat Chievo in Rome this weekend given Inter's return to winning ways and Palermo's chase for the Europa League.
Flying Donkeys Flying Again
Until last weekend Chievo's form could have been described as wretched. Winless in the league since November, the Flying Donkeys were heading for a crash and plummeting into the relegation quagmire.
However, the situation has now taken a launch towards the sky as back-to-back victories in Serie A have increased the gap between them and the dropzone to a robust nine points. Midweek's massively significant and morale-enhancing 2-0 triumph over Scudetto-challengers Napoli in Verona followed a 3-0 demolition of Brescia last weekend, propelling Stefano Pioli's side to 10th in the table on 30 points from 23 games.
Chievo are unbeaten in their last five league encounters and have collected four points from their last two matches on the road. In the reverse fixture in September, Chievo lost 1-0 to Lazio at home and will be aiming for a revenge in Rome on Sunday afternoon.
TEAM NEWS
Lazio
Del Nero, Meghni, Garrido, Rocchi, Diakite and Floccari are injured and will miss the visit of Chievo.
Chievo
Luciano, Marcolini and Andreolli are injured and will not travel to Rome.
Prediction
Chievo are on a high after getting the better of Napoli in midweek and will travel to Rome basking in hope and expectation. However, Lazio have proved themselves to be strong at home and should eventually collect the points.
Lazio 2-1 Chievo 
