Venezia-Lazio 0-2, fifth matchday of Serie A

GOALS and KEY MOMENTS

60' Venezia-LAZIO 0-2. Noslin doubles the lead

51' Venezia-LAZIO 0-1. Zaccagni scores with a cross-shot with his right foot, beating Stankovic

17' Venezia miss a penalty kick. Lazio goalkeeper Mandas saves Yeboah's shot

LIVE MATCH REPORT

MATCH PREVIEW

Focus on the pitch, without letting anything or anyone be a distraction. This is the message Gennaro Gattuso delivered to his Lazio side ahead of the match against Venezia which, taking advantage of the big clash between Roma and Inter, could allow the Biancocelesti to head into the international break at the top of the table, albeit not alone. For this reason, the Lazio manager wanted to make clear that in the away fixture against Stroppa's side, his players must not "fall into the trap of arrogance - we mustn't think we've suddenly become good. A month ago everyone was saying we needed to stay up, and we put in a terrible performance against Mantova", also stressing that against Venezia "it will be a tough match against a team that deserved to pick up some points, but we need to make up for the second half against Milan. Right now we must not make the mistake of being presumptuous - if we've gotten where we are, it's because we've played with determination as a team and kept our heads down".

There is no room, therefore, for thoughts unrelated to the pitch and the team's performance. Not even those connected to the investigation into the alleged scheme against Lotito aimed at forcing the club's president to sell Lazio; a matter which, Gattuso assures, will have no psychological impact on performances because "I want us to avoid talking about things that don't concern us. We need to prepare for matches by training - as long as the pay cheque comes in, we need to think about doing our job", the Biancocelesti manager said bluntly.

Against the Venetians, Gattuso will therefore look to resume their winning run that was halted by the draw against Milan, fielding the same side that started at the Olimpico and counting on the backing of the supporters, who will continue to cheer on their favourites away from home. On the subject of the fans, Gattuso also wanted to "apologise to those who were at the stadium" for the Milan match because "I didn't thank them". But with the focus firmly on football, the manager also takes the opportunity to dismiss the latest transfer rumour, concerning the possible arrival of Mauro Icardi. A scenario that does not exist, Gattuso reiterates, because "no one questions his quality, but we made our choices earlier by signing Pinamonti and Gudmundsson. When you give your word to players, you can't then go back on it. I've spoken with the president and the sporting director - it's right that we stay as we are", he admits. A further sign of how Gattuso is backing the group he has built since his arrival at Formello, and which he is now asking not to lose focus before the break, so they can enjoy the pause in a position that, just a month ago, not even the most optimistic Lazio fan would have dared to imagine.

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