Serie a Preview: Lazio Aiming to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive

Lazio vs Cesena

Lazio's hopes of making into the Champions League have taken a turn for the worst since the start of 2011. The match against Cesena does not look too good for Lazio given that Cesena have already beaten them and are coming into the match in a good run of form. Despite the improvement in form, they still find themselves just one point ahead of the relegation zone, which will be a source of concern for Massimo Ficcadenti.

Even though they suffered an extreme dip in form in the middle of the season, it seems to be slowly recovering, but Ficcadenti will be hoping that it recovers in time to avoid relegation.

For Lazio, though, it is a case of bringing back the old form and also consolidation since they have suffered extremely in terms of the form lately. The mood has been made even worse following the loss to Roma last weekend. Edoardo Reja's early season magic has definitely waned and he will be looking to bring it back again to fight for the fourth place with Udinese. Lazio will be missing the services of Diakité, while Cesena do not have any new injury worries.

Palermo vs Milan

AC Milan will be hoping to erase their memories of the Champions League exit at the hands of Tottenham by securing all three points against Palermo. It seems to be the easiest task that Milan can have at the moment after Palermo come into the match in wretched run of form. It is reminiscent of their early season form, which improved slightly during the middle of the season, but it seems to have gone back to the old self again. They have lost their last five matches without exception and have conceded a whopping 15 goals in that process.

This could have been the perfect recipe for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose form has nosedived since the turn of the New Year. However, he is suspended for the match, which would be a blessing in disguise for Milan. Alexandre Pato is expected to spearhead the Milan attack at a ground where they traditionally do not do well. The last time Milan won against Palermo in an away match was back in 2006, but records are do meant to be broken. Milan will not be finding a better time to break that record. Palermo will be struggling without Cassani, Paolucci and Darmian.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores