Reja realistic about Lazio title hopes

Edy Reja believes trying to sustain Lazio’s flying start to the Serie A season will be an indication of the team’s progress during his tenure.

Lazio have won four and drawn two of their seven matches played so far in 2011/12, leaving them second on the table, just one point behind leaders Udinese.

They host Catania at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, and victory, coupled with an Udinese defeat at Napoli, will send Lazio top of the table.

“It is certainly a test of our maturity,” Reja said ahead of the match.

“When you look like an important side and notch up the results we’ve achieved, consistency is crucial.”

“Even in difficulties, when chopping and changing due to injury, the team was still exceptional.”

“The results have not always been comforting, especially in the Europa League, but in terms of performance and chances created, we have done very well so far.”

While Reja is satisfied with the team’s progress this season, he remains realistic, nominating Champions League qualification as a more achievable aim than challenging for the title itself.

“The Scudetto? My hope is that we can reach the Champions League,” he said.

“The president spent a lot of money to bring in quality players, then we’ll have to see where we are at the end of the season.”

“I can’t say where we could end up, but I’d like this team to surprise everyone.”

The main focus ahead of the visit of Catania will be finding the back of the net – Lazio have so far been unable to score more than two goals in each of their league outings this season.

“You always try to go for a victory, you try to find the best solutions in order to achieve a victory, but for the next match we need to be mature and strong,” Reja said.

“I want us to score more, because we have created a lot of chances recently, but haven’t managed to score that much.”