De Rossi facing Roma fine

12 November 2012 02:52

Roma sporting director Franco Baldini has revealed Daniele De Rossi will be fined for his red card against Lazio on Sunday.

The 29-year-old was sent off for punching Stefano Mauri, as Roma fell to a 3-2 defeat to their great rivals.

As a result of his dismissal, Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has left the midfielder out of the Azzurri squad.

"The club's position is clear. In these cases, we will fine the player based on how long they are suspended for," Baldini told Football Italia.

"I spoke to Daniele before the game and he wanted to do well.

"He was really determined to achieve a positive result and seeing Lazio fight back to go in front must have brought this reaction out of him."

Baldini was also quick to play down an alleged rift between Zdenek Zeman and Miralem Pjanic, following speculation that the midfielder shouted insults towards the coach after he scored.

"Pjanic was not angry at Zeman. This squad is made up of over 22 players and everyone has to compete for a place.

"The lad clarified the situation and there is nothing to discuss.

"It is normal that someone has to be left out and that they will react to it, as they care about the cause.

"Pjanic is an exemplary professional and we will leave it at that."

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic, meanwhile, was singing in the rain on Sunday following his side's victory.

In sodden conditions at the Stadio Olimpico, the 49-year-old could only praise his players after seeing them overturn Roma's early lead.

Petkovic suggested it was his players ability to adapt throughout the match that saw them gain a vital three points.

"I don't have anyone in particular to dedicate this derby win to," said Petkovic.

"I dedicate it to the club that believed in me and definitely to my players who proved tonight that they are worth something and they can compete at top level.

"I hope everything will continue like this. Let's rest now and then we'll prepare for next game.

"The team proved today they really deserved this victory, also from a mental point of view," Petkovic added.

"I think we were better and we were good at adapting ourselves to different rhythms and situations throughout the game, we adapted our play to what was needed."

Klose delighted with derby win

11 November 2012 19:05

Lazio striker Miroslav Klose believes his side's 3-2 derby victory over Roma on Sunday is important for everyone at the club.

Vladimir Petkovic's men fell behind to an early Erik Lamela goal, but fought back with goals from the veteran, Antonio Candreva and Stefano Mauri to claim a narrow victory in a thrilling contest.

"This was a very important victory for us, the club and the fans," the Germany international told reporters.

"It was difficult to play on this pitch, but we put in a great performance. Am I a decisive man in the derby? No, the important thing is that the team does well and wins.

"I am not interested in who scores or not, just that we got the points."

Having suffered from a difficult start at Roma, Candreva was particularly delighted about having netted the all-important equaliser by converting a free-kick.

"It was a curious game," he said. "We managed to get it back on track before half-time, but derbies are always one-off occasions.

"I have dreamed of this goal since the moment I arrived here."

Petkovic hails ´legend´ Zeman

10 November 2012 20:12

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has revealed his admiration for Roma's Zdenek Zeman as the two teams prepare for their derby clash this weekend.

The Bosnian, who has only just started plying his trade in Serie A, had nothing but high praise for the veteran Czech trainer, who has been an important part of Italian football for almost three decades.

"Zeman is a legend in Italy and I was always aware of his success when I was working in Switzerland. So many good things have been said about him and he is well known all over Europe," Petkovic said at a press conference.

"The derby will be more like a cup final than a regular game. The pressure will keep growing until kick-off, but it feels good to be in charge and to manage my team in a game like this."

The Lazio coach went on to say that the game will be an amazing sporting event for the players and the fans.

"It is a shame that we cannot spend time soaking up the atmosphere and see the derby from the fans view but it is amazing to just be part of such a great spectacle," Petkovic said.

"We will have to be mentally sharp if we want to win because Roma have had more time to rest. However, there are no favourites in a derby."

Zeman targets derby success

10 November 2012 16:48

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has spoken about the importance of winning the derby against Lazio on Sunday.

Lazio sit fifth in the Serie A, a spot above Roma, ahead of the crucial Rome derby at Stadio Olimpico.



Zeman, who played for both clubs, said he hoped the teams would respect each other and deliver a memorable game.



"The players who had already played in this derby before will be used to it, while the newcomers will realise how important it is once they step onto the pitch," Zeman told reporters.



"The derby that I remember the most was my first with Lazio – we lost 3-0. I have been happy at both clubs, but I have to admit the Roma supporters are more passionate.



"I understand that this is a derby match and both sets of fans will be wanting their team to win, but the match should be about playing good football and that will make it a great spectacle."

Brazilian attacker Hernanes is sure to pose a threat to Roma having scored five league goals this campaign.

But Zeman said there would be no special plans to stop the 27-year-old.

"How do I stop Hernanes? I will prepare my team against another team, not against individuals," he said.

"I do not know (Lazio coach) Vladimir Petkovic well, but he has brought organisation into his team and he has done a good job."