All's well that ends well is how Lazio will try to look back at what was a topsy-turvy season for the club. Having failed to make the Champions League places last season or be fully backed in the transfer market, Eddy Reja unsurprisingly left his post as manager. His replacement was an unheralded choice as Vladimir Petkovic took charge under the sceptical eyes of the Biancocelesti faithful. Those doubts were not allayed by a poor pre-season with many wondering if the Bosnian was the right man for the job. However, the man known as "The Doctor" knew that major surgery wasn't required to his squad - only a few minor incisions. The first of those tweaks was to the formation as Petkovic opted for a 4-1-4-1 system which seemed to work really well for most of the season before injuries forced reshuffles. Cristian Ledesma would sit in front of the back four whilst Hernanes would provide the magic in advanced positions. Miroslav Klose was the lone striker who would profit from "The Prophet's" creativity with a healthy number of early season goals whilst the likes of Antonio Candreva and Senad Lulic provided dynamism on the flanks. Indeed, Lazio looked a really solid outfit up until the turn of the year. They were even displaying characteristics that many thought they didn't have as they showed resilience to bounce back from bad results. They were also doing well in the Europa League and went sixteen matches without defeat in all competitions towards the end of 2012. In fact, they were looking like the most likely challenge to Juventus for the Scudetto at that time. However, the sceptics that predicted Lazio's eventual and seemingly habitual collapse were to be proved right. A long term injury to Klose was a blow and despite Sergio Floccari deputising admirably initially, he found the burden too heavy in the end. Results in the league dipped dramatically and the side went from potential title challengers to just trying to stay in contention for a European place. The one consistent performer was goalkeeper, Federico Marchetti, whose level never dropped throughout the entire campaign as he made some outstanding saves and was the rock at the heart of an ever-changing defence which suffered from a glut of injuries. The cup competitions remained a saving grace for Petkovic's men and they were rather unlucky to lose in the quarter-finals of the Europa League to Fenerbahce. However, despite their poor league form, they were able to overcome Juventus to reach the Coppa Italia Final. Klose returned from injury and got back in the goals as their Serie A campaign picked up again towards the end but it wasn't enough to usurp Udinese who made a terrific surge to secure the final European spot. Meanwhile, Lazio ended up finishing below bitter rivals Roma in the table. However, it was the blue half of the capital who would have the last laugh as Lulic's late goal won the Coppa Italia Final meaning Lazio not only beat their enemies to a trophy but qualified for Europe at their expense. It was a sweet end to a strange season for Lazio. Seventh place is not where the club want to be finishing in Serie A but, in the cold light of day, Petkovic was able to win a trophy whilst qualifying for Europe and that surely has to be considered a very successful first season in charge.
