Lazio ended up achieving the goal they just missed out on last season by reaching the top four. Unfortunately for them, Serie A would only have three qualifying places for the Champions League this season so the Biancocelesti fell short of their dream once again. This was particularly galling for their supporters who'd seen them occupy third spot for the majority of the season.
The summer brought much needed reinforcements in attack which bore varying results. Djibril Cissé made a promising start with a goal on his debut but failed to score again before being shipped off to England in January.
Miroslav Klose was a massive success, finally providing Edy Reja's well organised team with a focal point and a guaranteed goal-getter. However, pivotal to their late season downfall was a month long injury to the German striker. The goals dried up for Lazio and their usually mercurial playmaker, Hernanes, lost his magic touch without a proper foil.
Injuries and suspensions were a big problem throughout the season and they never seemed to be able to field a settled starting eleven.
Inconsistency was Lazio's biggest vice. At times they looked like potential title challengers but they were just as liable to implode. Coach Reja actually quit after one such disastrous result against Palermo in February. His decision was also based on the lack of investment made in the team during the January transfer window. He was persuaded to stay and his team were in pole position to finish third up until two weeks before the season's end when a controversial defeat to Udinese saw them surrender their advantage in the race. They'll have to settle for the Europa League next season and they need to show yet more ambition in the transfer market to reach dizzier heights.
