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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
LAZIO  Carrizo Cavanda, Stendardo, Zauri, Del Nero Gonzalez, Ledesma, Lulic Hernanes Klose, Rocchi | VERONA  Rafael Ceccarelli, Mareco, Abbate Tachtsidis, Halfredsson, Russo, Scaglia Gomez Bjelanovic, Ferrari |
Lazio coach Edy Reja is set to ring the changes from the demoralising 4-0 reverse to Siena on Saturday, as a second-string XI is expected to line up at the Olimpico midweek, with up to eight alterations potentially being made.
It is likely to be all change at the back, as Juan Pablo Carrizo, Luis Pedro Cavanda, Guglielmo Stendardo, Luciano Zauri and Simone Del Nero are all ready to step into the side, replacing Albano Bizzarri, Lionel Scaloni, Giuseppe Biava, Marius Stankevicius and Stefan Radu.
Elsewhere, Alvaro Gonzalez and Hernanes were rested for the trip to Tuscany, and should come back into the fold, with Lorik Cana and Giuseppe Sculli dropping to the bench. Last but not least, Tommaso Rocchi is expected to be picked ahead of Djibril Cisse.
Meanwhile for Verona, spirits are high in the camp of Andrea Mandorlini's outfit. Currently second in Serie B, and just a single point behind leaders Torino, they have taken their return to the top flight by storm, with 10 wins in their last 11 matches, including a run of nine straight victories.
Just two alterations for the Bentegodi club from the last-gasp 2-1 win over Modena should see midfielder Giuseppe Russo and ex-Genoa striker Sasa Bjelanovic replace Roma loanee Marco D'Alessandro and Brazilian youngster Frello.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Lazio have not won in their past three games, but the 4-0 loss to Siena marked their first
defeat in six matches.
- In addition, the reverse to the Tuscan side was their heaviest since their 5-1 mauling to AC Milan in October 2007 - almost five years ago.
- Bar the Roman derby, Lazio have not conceded in any of their competitive wins at home this season.
- Verona have won 10 of their past 11 fixtures, including a run of nine straight victories.
- They have had previous experience of beating Serie A opposition so far in the Coppa Italia, defeating rivals Parma 2-0 in the last round.
- Before their goalless draw to Varese on December 18, Verona had scored in every away fixture of the campaign.
- The home team have won the five previous meetings between these two sides, but you would have to go back to April 2002 for the last: a 5-4 victory to Lazio at the Olimpico.
Editor's Prediction
Lazio 3-1 Verona 
