Watch Palermo vs Lazio Line-Ups, Preview, Picks 19th January 2013 Lazio coach Edy Reja is hoping his team continue to surprise him when they visit Palermo on Sunday.
The Romans head to La Favorita top of the Serie A standings having picked up 19 points from their first eight games.
Reja's men host struggling Roma on November 7 and nothing would please Biancoceleste fans more than to see their team arrive at the city derby still enjoying the view from the summit.
"I would love for that to happen," said Reja.
"I would even be satisfied to head into the derby with just a one-point advantage over our closest rivals.
"But we will see what happens."
Reja has reason to be wary despite his team approaching this weekend's trip to Sicily on a four-match winning streak.
Lazio have claimed just one point in their last three visits to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
Moreover, they face a familiar face in former coach Delio Rossi, now in charge of Palermo.
Rossi guided Lazio for four years before leaving the Roman outfit in the summer of 2009.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini hopes his side can repeat last season's 3-1 triumph against the Biancoceleste.
The islanders head into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Udinese but Zamparini firmly believes his team have what it takes to upset their guests.
"I think Lazio were lucky to beat Cagliari last weekend," said Zamparini. "We are stronger than Lazio and I am certain we will end their good run of form."
Palermo lie seventh, eight points behind Lazio, and have lost just once at home this season.
However, Rossi's men will have their work cut out to break down one of the best defences in the league, with Lazio having conceded just three goals on the road this season.
Reja's men host struggling Roma on November 7 and nothing would please Biancoceleste fans more than to see their team arrive at the city derby still enjoying the view from the summit.
"I would love for that to happen," said Reja.
"I would even be satisfied to head into the derby with just a one-point advantage over our closest rivals.
"But we will see what happens."
Reja has reason to be wary despite his team approaching this weekend's trip to Sicily on a four-match winning streak.
Lazio have claimed just one point in their last three visits to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
Moreover, they face a familiar face in former coach Delio Rossi, now in charge of Palermo.
Rossi guided Lazio for four years before leaving the Roman outfit in the summer of 2009.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini hopes his side can repeat last season's 3-1 triumph against the Biancoceleste.
The islanders head into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Udinese but Zamparini firmly believes his team have what it takes to upset their guests.
"I think Lazio were lucky to beat Cagliari last weekend," said Zamparini. "We are stronger than Lazio and I am certain we will end their good run of form."
Palermo lie seventh, eight points behind Lazio, and have lost just once at home this season.
However, Rossi's men will have their work cut out to break down one of the best defences in the league, with Lazio having conceded just three goals on the road this season.
