28 November
Buy a Lazio 'hero' shirt

You can now buy Lazio shirts with names and numbers over the internet in the UK. Kitbag have started stocking shirts for selected Lazio 'heroes'. Not sure how they selected these, and it's a shame they've gone for 'Lopez' rather than 'Claudio', but they still make great Christmas present ideas. If you buy them online via one of the links on the SS Lazio kit and books page, you'll be supporting this site and our new improved server.

The shirts (Chiesa, Simeone, Lopez, Inzaghi) cost £49.99 each, and Kitbag promise to despatch them within three days.

28 November
Sturm Graz 1 - SS Lazio 3

Tonight Lazio took a big step towards qualification for the next round of the UEFA Cup. In the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium, Roberto Mancini fielded Lazio's 'midweek' side, giving Chiesa, Inzaghi, Liverani and Dino Baggio places in his side. During the first half Lazio missed a painful number of chances, including several open-goal misses by Simone Inzaghi. The home side made Lazio pay for these errors, taking the lead just before half-time.

However, whatever the Lazio manager said to his players in the dressing room, it worked. As the second half began, Enrico Chiesa promptly slotted in a beautiful goal. Inzaghi compensated for his first-half errors by taking advantage of a Chiesa pass to give Lazio the lead. A fumble from the Sturm Graz goalie after a Lazio free-kick, an opportunistic strike, and Inzaghi doubled his tally, adding to Lazio's precious number of away goals.

27 November
Lazio - Empoli and Lazio - Sturm Graz tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for Lazio's next home fixtures in the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia.

SS Lazio face Sturm Graz at the Stadio Olimpico on 12th December at 8:30pm. Tickets cost from €11-€77, with reductions for women.

Lazio's first home game in this season's Coppa Italia will take place on Wednesday 4th December at 5pm. Ticket prices range from €11-€66, again with good reductions for women (half price in the Tribuna Tevere and the Tribuna Monte Mario).

24 November
Lazio 4 - Modena 0

Just one point separates Lazio from top place in Serie A, after tonight's satisfying win over Modena. Events elsewhere in Serie A mean that Juventus and Milan are in joint top place, with 25 points. Lazio, on 24 points, have now overtaken Inter Milan to claim third place. While uncertainty about the club's financial future continues, on the pitch the team can do little wrong.

Although at times Modena profited from the space allowed to them, Lazio were the strongest side throughout the match. Two goals in the first half (Corradi and Lopez) and two in the second (Cesar and Corradi again) brought the game to a tidy and victorious conclusion.

17 November
Como 1 - Lazio 3

Lazio's superb away record continued today, with a 3 - 1 victory over Serie A newcomers Como. With off-pitch uncertainties hanging over the club's existence, Lazio are becoming the most admired and praised team in Serie A for their determination and flair.

In today's fixture, which sees Lazio moving clear of rivals and sticking with the top three, Diego Simeone gave his team an early lead. Corradi and Lopez, in attack for Lazio, missed several chances before Como put themselves back in the game with a goal by Corrent. The second half began 1 - 1, but an on-form Claudio Lopez scored two goals to give the visitors victory.

14 November
Red Star Belgrade 1 - Lazio 1

With tonight's draw, the threatened Rome side won a place in the next round of the UEFA Cup. Despite facing considerable pressure from a determined young Red Star side, second goalie Marchegiani kept the ball out the net for the first half. After half-time his replacement, Lazio's third-choice 'keeper Concetti, took his place. In the 69th minute, the home side finally took the lead. Equal on aggregate, Lazio fought back and with just 13 minutes to go a fine Chiesa free-kick took a deflection and ended up in the net.

With off-pitch troubles coming in battalions, now the team and fans can at least look forward to progressing in the important European arena.

14 November
SS LAZIO FOR SALE

As his company Cirio, faces immense financial problems, Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti has announced that a buyer is being sought for Cirio's majority stake in the football club. A number of names have been put forward for the purchase (none very promising from a fan's point of view), but no positive interest has yet been announced. It's a cruel irony for a club which has been doing surprisingly well on the pitch after a difficult year. The team have been playing excellently, despite allegedly going unpaid for months at a time, have just qualified for the next round of the UEFA Cup, and would be joint top of Serie A had it not been for two missed penalties.

12 November
Lazio-Modena and Lazio-Inter tickets on sale

As a black cloud hangs over Lazio's finances, the club have put tickets on sale for the next month's home games. Lazio play Modena at home on November 24th; match tickets cost from €15-€99. The club's biggest pre-Christmas fixture is Lazio-Inter, a repeat of the dramatic decisive game on the final day of last season. Tickets for this important fixture cost between €17.50 and €143; it's advisable to buy cheaper tickets in advance if possible.

11 November
Buy Lazio kit online in the UK

Good news for fans with an urge to express their allegiance, or looking for snazzy new threads. Kitbag now have the 2002-2003 Lazio home and away shirts in stock. You can buy the kit online and they'll deliver it to your door. Great idea to add to your Christmas list.

Football in Rome presents a selection of Lazio kit and gifts on our special gifts page. If you click through via our links when you make a purchase, we get some commission to help this site.

10 November
LAZIO 0 - PARMA 0

In a repeat of last season's scoreline, Lazio drew at home today against Parma. The result was a disappointment in terms of points, but a good achievement given that the team played most of the match with only ten men, after Fabio Liverani was sent off in the 36th minute for protesting a free kick. The rest of the team played with the determination that has become a feature of this season, and were unlucky not to win the game, with a number of missed chances in front of goal.

Liverani's sending-off was not the first blow to Lazio; a penalty awarded for handball was thrown away in the 24th minute. Mihailovic, whose penalty in the Rome derby was saved, this time hit the post.

Still sitting in fourth place in Serie A, Lazio are now just four points from the top spot, after Inter's defeat by Piacenza.

7 November
REGGINA 0 - LAZIO 3

Lazio continued their unbeaten run with a sound victory over Reggina at the Granillo Stadium. Fiore got a lucky deflection off a Reggina player and opened the scoring. Peruzzi was called upon for several saves, with Reggina's Nakamura looking particularly dangerous, but two goals set up by Claudio Lopez assured Lazio of a good away victory. In the first half, the Argentinian fed the ball in to Stankovic, while in the second half he repeated the service for Corradi.

3 November
EMPOLI 1 - LAZIO 2

Lazio won three important points away from home today, holding on to fourth place in Serie A, while drawing further ahead of Roma.

Lazio took the lead just before time with a goal by Corradi from a Mihailovic free-kick. The home side equalised promptly, and for most of the second half, despite opportunities for both sides, the game remained at 1-1. Then, with just ten minutes to go, Dejan Stankovic was set up by Lopez, and sealed a victory for Lazio.

On a sadder note, the game was marked by a serious injury to Empoli's Saudati, who fractured his leg in a clash with Angelo Peruzzi. The Lazio 'keeper was also hurt in the encounter, and left the pitch, although his knee injury is not thought to be serious.

1 November
LAZIO 1 - RED STAR BELGRADE 0

Lazio faced Red Star in last night's UEFA Cup match without many of their key players. Injury has struck once again at the side, with Giannichedda out for 4-5 weeks and both Stam and Chiesa recuperating before Sunday's away match at Empoli.

Mancini fielded a starting lineup relying on Simone Inzaghi as the only forward, with Stefano Fiore playing an attacking midfield role in support. The on-form ex-Udinese man once again demonstrated his worth, with a neat goal in the opening minutes. Liverani set up a fine assist from a free kick, and Fiore saw the ball safely into the net.

Lazio managed to hold on to their lead, despite frequent danger from the visiting side. Couto made a last-minute clearance that compensated for his derby errors. The second half also saw Lazio miss a chance to consolidate their win, with an Inzaghi error. The return leg is set for November 14th; Lazio will be looking to capitalise on their slim advantage.

27 October
LAZIO 2 - ROMA 2

As usual, tensions were running high for the Rome derby, one of the season's biggest fixtures. Given that the fear of losing tends to override the hopes of winning, both sides (give or take a few niggles) came away fairly contented with a two-all draw.

Lazio, who started with Corradi and Lopez in attack, dominated much of the match. After hitting the post in the first half, they finally took the lead thanks to the outstanding Stefano Fiore in the opening minutes of the second half. However, Delvecchio swiftly equalised for Roma, and a few minutes later Couto committed a glaring error, giving the ball away to Roma substitute Batistuta, who defeated the helpless Peruzzi to make it 2-1 for Roma. To the huge relief of Lazio fans, the team battled on and a neat headed equaliser from Stankovic was greeted with rapturous celebrations. This joy was doubled when substite Simone Inzaghi (brought on for the closing period, along with Enrico Chiesa) was brought down by Zebina inside the area. The referee awarded a penalty, and Lazio began premature celebrations. First choice penalty-taker Mihailovic stepped up to the spot... and was met by a briliant save by Roma 'keeper Antonioli.

The game ended at two-all, and Lazio remain at one point above Roma in Seria A, sitting in fourth place below the big top three: Inter, Milan and Juventus.

23 October
Derby fever and UEFA Cup tickets

At derby -5, Lazio's official website reports that tickets are nearly sold out, with seats remaining only for the expensive Tribuna Monte Mario. 28,000 places are for Lazio season ticket holders, 16,300 tickets have been sold, and 24,000 allocated to Roma.

Tickets have also gone on sale for the UEFA Cup home tie against Red Star Belgrade (Stella Rossa in Italian, for those wishing to purchase tickets). The match is set for October 31st, and ticket prices range from €11 - €77.

21 October
Lazio 3 - Perugia 0

Lazio beat Perugia yesterday to move into fourth place in Serie A, one point ahead of Juventus and city rivals Roma. The team put on a convincing display, with good performances all around. Simone Inzaghi compensated for his too-frequent misses by scoring in the eleventh minute. Despite working hard, Lazio failed to increase their lead for most of the match. Perugia looked threatening a few times, but with the end of the game approaching, the home side were still leading by one goal. Then Mancini brought on Enrico Chiesa, now almost recovered from last year's serious injury.

The fans set off fireworks as the substitution took place, and their confidence was vindicated eight minutes later. A neat assist from Lopez set up the former Fiorentina striker and the ball sailed home. Huge celebrations greeted the veteran's return to form, but he wasn't finished yet. As the game moved into injury time, a determined and opportunistic Chiesa scored once again.

With the derby only a week away, Lazio present a coherent, energetic and determined squad. 'We were good at controlling the game,' observed Mancini afterwards, 'Enrico's return is fundamental for us. Now we can begin to think about Roma.'

13 October
Lazio -Perugia tickets on sale

Tickets are on sale now for Lazio's home game against Perugia next Sunday. It is possible to buy tickets from the official website - see the tickets page for more information. Prices range from €15 for the Curva Sud to €71 for the Tribuna Monte Mario.

9 October
Lazio - Roma

The Lega Calcio has announced, predictably, that the Rome derby will be the late match on the 27th October. The big game will be played at 8:30 on Sunday 27th October. As previously announced, package deals from the UK (including match tickets) are available for the derby, and Lastminute have announced a new, cheaper package. For £279 you get match tickets (in the Tribuna Tevere, so they'll be good seats) and a four star hotel for the two-night break. You just have to book your own flights, which shouldn't be a problem as several budget airlines fly to Rome. (See Get to Rome for more travel information). To find out more about Lastminute's offer, or to book, please use this link.

9 October
Lazio to face Red Star Belgrade

In the draws for the second round of the UEFA Cup, Lazio have been drawn to face Red Star Belgrade. The home fixture is due to take place on 31st October, and the away leg on the 14th November, but Lazio officials have reportedly made a request to Red Star that the match order be reversed.

6 October
Atalanta 0 - Lazio 1

An important victory for Lazio tonight, as the team beat Atalanta in Bergamo to win another three points (keeping one point clear of city rivals Roma). Cesar was the goalscorer in the evening match, putting Lazio ahead halfway through the first half. Atalanta's attempts to equalise were in vain, and Lazio return to Rome tired (two away fixtures in four days) but satisfied.

3 October
Match/Trip Reports

Several Football in Rome readers have recently returned from seeing Lazio-Milan, and others are heading for Italy soon. If you have any reports or comments about your trip, the match, the atmosphere, that you'd like to share with other fans, please email the webmaster so we can publish them (tell us if you want to stay anonymous or not) or post your words of wisdom in the sadly-underused Forum.

3 October
Xanthi 0 - Lazio 0

Lazio sailed into the next round of the UEFA cup with this draw, thanks to their 4-0 victory in the home game. The team's hopes for another win were damaged when Colonnese was sent off in the first half for a second bookable offence. But a stout defence kept the home side from scoring and Lazio held on comfortably. The game saw the return of new signing Enrico Chiesa after a year of injury. The striker played the full ninety minutes, and looked comfortable enough to encourage Lazio, who are now preparing for Sunday's evening clash with Atalanta (in Bergamo).

29 September
Lazio tickets online... finally

Great news for Lazio's overseas fans: the online ticket office has gone back online (only missing the first five home games of the autumn!). From the official website, click on the 'Biglietteria' link. Note, however, that tickets never go on sale more than 3 weeks before a match, and 1 week is the normal advance sales period.

28 September
Lazio 1 - AC Milan 1

Lazio played strongly to win a deserved draw at home and halt Milan's string of successes. An early goal by Paolo Maldini for Milan spurred Lazio on to fight back and claim a draw that could nearly have become a victory. The equaliser came in the second half from Claudio Lopez, and Lazio's domination of the game continued until the final minute, the team chalking up 8 corners to Milan's 1 and besieging the goal with determination.

25 September
Lazio kit

A stylish black Lazio windbreaker is now available in the UK from Kitbag, who are also offering big reductions on last year's kit. Hopefully the new season's shirts will be in stock soon; we'll keep fans updated.

25 September
Milan excitement mounts

Tensions are rising as Saturday's big home match against AC Milan draws near. Lazio report that 20,000 tickets have been sold in three days. Meanwhile, the number of season ticket holders has reached 27,000.

Players and fans are awaiting the return of Alessandro Nesta with mixed emotions. 'It won't be just any match for him,' observed Stefano Fiore, '18 years are a long time. As an opponent I hope that the atmosphere affects him, but I'm convinced he will demonstrate his quality'.

Nesta himself has spoken of the reception he expects: 'For me it will be a special match, I can't deny it. Some people are going to applaud me and some will whistle, but I'm prepared for it. Lazio represents 18 years of my life, and Rome is my city, but now I'm looking at the future. And my future is at Milan, where I've settled in quickly'.

23 September
Derby package

It will almost certainly be cheaper to organise your own trip, but if you'd really rather let someone else do the planning for you, Lastminute.com offer a package for £445 per person. To see Lastminute.com's sports packages, please use this link.

23 September
Lazio - Milan tickets on sale

Tickets for Lazio's home clash with title prospects Milan went on sale today. The game kicks off at 8:30pm on Saturday 28th September. Tickets are available from Lottomatica outlets in Rome - for more details visit the 'Lazio Tickets' thread in the Forum . Prices are as follows:
Curve €16.50, Distinti (Nord, Est, Ovest) €22, Tribuna Tevere laterale €44, Tribuna Tevere centrale €55, Tribuna Tevere Top €66, Tribuna Monte Mario laterale €55, Tribuna Monte Mario €99, Tribuna d'Onore €143.

For more details of stadium geography, visit the See a Match section. For more on ticket availability (and a link to lists of outlets) visit the Lazio Tickets thread in the Forum. This will be a popular match so it's advisable to get your tickets as soon as possible.

22 September
Torino 0 - Lazio 1

Lazio notched up this season's first Serie A points with a victory at the Stadio delle Alpi over Torino, thanks to a goal in the 85th minute by Simeone.

19 September
Lazio 4 - Xanthi 0

Lazio impressed in their UEFA Cup opening match against Greeks Xanthi tonight. Putting their league defeat by Chievo behind them, the team scored four goals to send fans home delighted. Christian Manfredini opened the scoring just before half time, while Lopez, Inzaghi and Cesar added their names to the scoresheet during an exciting second half. The second goal by Lopez was a particularly fine strike.

Mancini made several changes to last Sunday's team, showing that even without Stam he can field a convincing eleven. Baggio, Cesar and Mihailovic made the starting lineup, with warmly-welcomed Enrico Chiesa coming on for the final twenty minutes.

17 September
News roundup

The postponed first round of Serie A matches will be played on November 6th, it has been announced. Lazio will be heading south to play Reggina.

Lazio have been fined, and issued with a formal warning, after an incident in which a linesman was struck by a missile thrown from the Tribune Tevere at Sunday's defeat to Chievo.

16 September
Lazio - Milan to be played on 28th

Lazio's home match against Milan is to be played on Saturday 28th September, at 8:30pm. The Lega have announced the timing as due to European commitments the following week (when Lazio fly to Greece to face Xanthi on 3rd October). Visitors please note that on the 28th there is a strong chance of strikes affecting air travel in Italy.

15 September
Lazio 2 - Chievo 3

Lazio's Serie A campaign got off to a bad start today against visitors Chievo. After taking the lead with a Simeone strike in a strong opening period, Lazio conceded a goal and begin losing their grasp on the match. Despite spells of strong coherent play (and a Stankovich attempt which came off the post), it was the visitors who scored to take the advantage. Lazio replied with an equaliser by ex-Chievo man Corradi, but a final lapse in concentration by the defence and Peruzzi left Chievo with a 3-2 victory thanks to a goal by Della Morte.

12 September 2002
Football in Rome forum

In the constant quest for improvement, Football in Rome has launched a Message Board. Come along and meet up, ask questions, leave a message. Click here.

12 September 2002
Lazio champions celebrate at Olimpico

Before Sunday's home match against Chievo, there will be a celebration of Lazio women's team, last season's scudetto winners. The champions will perform a lap of honour at about 2:15 in the afternoon.

11 September 2002
Liverani ruled out

After picking up an injury during the Napoli friendly, Fabio Liverani looks set to be out for at least a month.

10 September 2002
Lazio tickets available

Ticket details have finally been announced for Lazio's two home games in the next week, Sunday's Serie A meeting with Chievo and the midweek UEFA Cup tie with Xanthi. Tickets for both games went on sale today at Lottomatica outlets in Rome. For the Chievo game, prices range from €15 to €99. The Xanthi match takes place on the 19th at 8:45pm, and ticket prices vary from €11 to €77. (These prices include a booking fee, so prices at the stadium before the match should be slightly lower).

8 September 2002
See Lazio-Milan or the Derby

On the Football in Italy website there is a new travel itineraries page, which provides useful sample prices for DIY weekend trips. Currently featured: Lazio-Milan on the 29th September, and the Rome Derby. Email the webmaster if you have any requests for advice on travel, tickets or other dates.