Preview: The Biancocelesti will be going for all three points against a Rossoneri side devoid of confidence
Seven days. That is reportedly the amount of time new coach Clarence Seedorf has to salvage his already difficult career with his former side. After a seemingly bright start, he retired midfielder has lost seven out of his dozen games so far in charge--including both legs of the Champions League and four out of nine in Serie A.
Of course, Seedorf continues to remain defiant, stating in his press conference that he is "not responsible for everything that he has inherited...but I take responsibility for what has happened over the past few games."
The four-time Champions League winner also pointed out that he "has the full support of the dressing room" and that "there has been no ultimatum from [president] Berlusconi."
Well, that remains yet to be seen, as former coach Massimiliano Allegri also remained defiant until his not-too-surprising sacking following the 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo. Looking towards the upcoming clash, the Diavolo will be without a host of key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, defender Ignazio Abate, and midfielder Riccardo Montolivo. Attacker Stephan El Shaarawy, who has missed most of the season due to a whole slew of injuries is rumoured to be close to making a comeback, but will not be available for the match in Rome.
As for Edy Reja's troops, they are six points behind Milan's rivals Inter who rest in fifth place. Given that the capital club failed to make progress in this year's Europa League after narrowly losing 4-3 on aggregate to Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad, they will been keen on improving on last year's seventh placed finish as they can not count on the Coppa Italia to get into Europe next season.
Veteran striker Miroslav Klose, whose future with the club continues to remain in doubt will be expected to lead the line alongside Antonio Candreva and Spanish-born Senegalese attacker Keita. They also may be without the services of first-choice keeper Federico Marchetti who is reportedly suffering from flu symptoms and might be replaced instead by young Albanian Etrit Berisha.
The Biancocelesti will need to string together a series of wins if they would like to have another crack at European football next season. And they have actually done quite well at the Stadio Olimpico so far in 2014--holding the likes of Juventus and city rivals Roma to a draw and defeating Inter.
Hence, given the Rossoneri's dismal form away from home--with their last away win under Seedorf's reign on 23 February--Reja's men will be looking to take advantage their opponents, for whom a top-10 finish does not even look certain come May.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
In Canada at 15.45 ET on: beIN Sports Play Canada
In the US at 15.45 EST on: beIN Sports Play
In the UK at 19.45 GMT on: BT Sport 1
In Italy at 20.45 CET on: Premium Calcio 1, Lazio Style Channel, Sky Calcio 2
For live scores and more live listings of this Serie A game, visit the Lazio vs. Milan match page.
