Lecce vs Lazio preview - Reja hails stunning season

Posted Sunday, May 22, 2011 by PA

Lazio coach Edy Reja has told his players they should be proud of an "extraordinary" season - regardless of whether they clinch Champions League qualification this weekend.

Fifth-placed Lazio must win their final game of the campaign at Lecce and hope Udinese - currently two points ahead - lose at home to Serie A champions AC Milan if they are to finish in fourth place.

Should Lazio end level on points, Udinese would qualify for Europe's premier club competition as they have a better head-to-head record against the Romans.

Reja said: "At the moment the Champions League is not an illusion - it's a hope.

"There's one match remaining and we have to win.

"Nothing is decided yet, but Udinese need just a point on Sunday against a Milan side who has been celebrating the Scudetto for a while now.

"We just have to go out there and win knowing that we have already qualified for the Europa League.

"We have had an extraordinary season and finishing fifth is important for the Europa League as you miss out on the qualifying round.

"Lecce will want to end the season well in front of their home fans, but we need a victory to give us a fifth place that we deserve."

Lazio, who beat Genoa 4-2 last time out, head into the final game two points behind fourth-placed Udinese but three points clear of city rivals Roma.

Lecce coach Luigi De Canio has promised his team will not go into the encounter at the Stadio Via del Mare to simply play out their season.

"We want to do well," he said. "My players are really motivated to end the campaign on a high note and we will try to give our fans something to celebrate."

De Canio, whose team secured their Serie A status with a 2-0 win at Bari last weekend, confirmed earlier this week that he will leave the club in the summer.

"It has been a mutual decision," he said. "Once my contract expires on June 30, I will leave the club."

Lazio will be bolstered by the return of Andrea Dias, Cristian Brocchi and Libor Kozak from suspension.

The hosts will be without Serbian defender Nenad Tomovic, who serves a one-match ban.