2014-2015 Serie A preview: Lazio looking to challenge for Europe again

It’s all change over in the Blue half of Rome. A new coach along with a slew of fresh faces has left Lazio fans feeling hopeful of enjoying a fruitful season. Stefano Pioli’s appointment might have come as a shock to some, but the 48-year-old former Bologna coach has been drafted in to replace Edy Reja - who decided to walk away from the club a second time over the summer. Lazio were denied European football for the first time in four years, so big changes were necessary.

While club president Claudio Lotito continues to divide opinion amongst the fanbase, he has delivered on his promise to reinforce the squad at long last, following several underwhelming transfer campaigns in recent years. Dutch international defender Stefan De Vrij joins Italian midfielder Marco Parolo and forward Filip Djordjevic as the marquee buys. Davide Astori’s last minute decision to join rivals AS Roma has left a sting in the tail, but Miroslav Klose’s decision to stay on for an extra year has cushioned the blow.

Pioli has shown willing to integrate more of Lazio’s successful academy players into the first team squad, so look for Mamadou Tounkara to follow in Keita Balde’s footsteps and make the breakthrough this year. A prolific season on the domestic front should entice some of the disillusioned fans back through the turnstiles. If Pioli can get his tactics right and if everyone affiliated with the club sings from the same hymn sheet, Lazio could make a swift return to Europe next season.

Antonio Candreva

The Eagles finally secured full ownership of the explosive winger from Udinese in the summer as part of the deal that also brought Dusan Basta to Rome. Candreva was the only consistent in a disappointing campaign last time out, weighing in with 12 goals and also maintaining a threat from set pieces. The 27-year-old became a regular at international level and put in an eye catching performance in the Azzurri’s only victory against England. With Europe’s big clubs on alert, Candreva remains Lazio’s crown jewel and will be looking to increase his profile and stay in the headlines this season.

In: Stefan De Vrij, Edson Braafheid, Marco Parolo, Dusan Basta, Filip Djordjevic

Out: Giuseppe Biava, Andre Dias, Emiliano Alfaro, Helder Postiga, Gael Kakuta

This is a team with a point to prove. Watching fierce city rivals AS Roma competing in the Champions League will hurt Lazio fans looking on from the sidelines. However, without the distractions and demands that European commitments put on the squad, Pioli can go for broke in every game and not have to worry about resting players. Liverpool benefited from the exact same thing last season and there’s no reason to suggest Lazio can’t pull off a similar feat if they hit a purple patch and fire on all cylinders.

Lazio should be back in the top six, and thus the European places, this season. Injuries and suspensions played havoc with Lazio’s preparations throughout last season. Keeping Federico Marchetti and Klose healthy will be key at both ends of the pitch, while Stefano Mauri will be keen to put his lengthy ban for failing to report alleged match fixing behind him. De Vrij and Parolo will bring a freshness to the side that relied all too heavily on veterans Giuseppe Biava and Andre Dias in the last campaign. The quality is there, it just depends on whether the side can put it all together and generate a consistent run of results.