Lazio and Udinese round off disappointing campaigns at the Stadio Olimpico. The theme of both sides' seasons has been underachievement.
Lazio looked like a force to be reckoned with back in August, with both the Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa recently added to the trophy cabinet and the highly regarded Davide Ballardini on their bench.
A nightmare season has unfolded in front of the Laziali's eyes however. They've flirted with relegation, suffered an ignominious early exit from the Europa League, swapped Ballardini for Edy Reja and lost both Rome derbies.
That's not to mention their lowest ebb, the recent 2-0 home loss to Inter which saw the Biancocelesti fans booing their own team and cheering Inter in order to spite Roma-an event that has tarnished the name of the club worldwide.
The only positive to be taken from Lazio's campaign is that they have survived with their Serie A status intact, although the Inter debacle aside Reja's men have been in decent form of late, with three wins from their last five.
As for Udinese it's been a case of déjà vu. Just like last term they started well, tailed off badly, but have finished in style. The difference this year is that patron Giampaolo Pozzo lost patience with Coach Pasquale Marino and replaced him with Gianni De Biasi in December, a change that only deepened the Zebrette's malaise.
Marino was recalled in February, but it was too late to mount a bid for European qualification, and the Bianconeri go into the final weekend 12th, one point ahead of 15th placed Lazio.
Now confusion reigns, as Marino has made it clear that he will leave for good this summer and the rumour mill has spun into action regarding his successor, with Parma boss Francesco Guidolin apparently having agreed to take charge.
Like Lazio, you suspect Udinese will simply be happy to get this season over and done with.
Injury list regulars Mourad Meghni, Albano Bizzarri, Francelino Matuzalem and Christian Manfredini remain absent for Lazio.
Udinese's first choice 'keeper Samir Handanovic is suspended, as is Aleksandar Lukovic, whilst Agyemang Badu, Chris Obodo, Dusan Basta, Gaetano D'Agostino, Andrea Coda and Emanuele Belardi are all injured.
Keep an eye on: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) - With 28 league goals to his name Di Natale is sure to be crowned this season's Capocannoniere. He's even in with a shout of winning the European Golden Shoe, although it'll take four goals against Lazio to draw level with Lionel Messi. Extremely unlikely of course, but don't put anything past Toto on current form.
Last five in Serie A: Lazio (W L W L W) Udinese (W D W D D)
Last season: 1-3 |
Lazio (probable): Muslera; Dias, Biava, Radu; Lichtsteiner, Brocchi, Ledesma, Kolarov, Mauri; Rocchi, Floccari
Udinese (probable): Romo; Ferronetti, Domizzi, Zapata, Pasquale; Isla, Asamoah, Inler; Sanchez, Di Natale, Pepe
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