Reja slams December draw

Lazio boss Edoardo Reja blamed an intense period of games for his side’s ‘dull’ performance in a 0-0 draw against Chievo in the Serie A.

Reja’s men sit fourth after Wednesday’s draw at Stadio Olimpico, which was their sixth outing in December.

They will enjoy a break before a league clash with Siena on January 7, and Reja apologised to Lazio’s fans after his team’s second consecutive draw, but said their packed recent schedule was to blame.

“I’m sorry for the guys, and also for the supporters, we thought we could win at least one of these two last fixtures,” he said.

“But playing every three days and more or less with the same players it becomes difficult to ask them too much, even if I changed five players today – a couple in defence.”

“When you go on the pitch after a long period out you surely aren’t in the best conditions.”

The draw came thanks to a strong performance from goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri, who made several saves to deny the visitors.

Reja praised the Argentine, and said the break over the New Year period had come at just the right time for his team.

“I would define it as a dull performance, (a) good part of tonight’s merit for the point we got goes to Bizzarri who put in an excellent performance, and thank goodness we got that point,” he said.

“I tried to make them more dynamic in attack in the second half, but it wasn’t enough, absolutely not.”

“Bless the break – I hope I can have some players back ready to play and substitute the guys who have been playing a lot recently.”

Lazio are four points adrift of the top two, AC Milan and Juventus, but are four clear of fifth-placed Inter.