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Serie A

Lazio coach Davide Ballardini is hopeful his team can halt a run of almost two months without a Serie A win.

The Biancoceleste claimed their second triumph in the Europa League with a 2-1 triumph over Villarreal on Thursday but have not fared so well on the domestic front.

The Rome outfit have not come out triumphant in the league since beating Chievo 2-1 on August 30 and two defeats and four draws have followed since then.

Sunday's 1-1 tie against Sampdoria dropped the Biancoceleste to 13th position in the standings, four points clear of the drop zone.

"We are going through a delicate time," said Ballardini.

"But we need to be calm and be comforted by our recent performances which can only give us hope for our future games."

Ballardini will be hoping his side this weekend can show the same determination they displayed against Villarreal.

"It was crucial for us to get a win," said Lazio captain Tommaso Rocchi, who struck a late winner on Thursday.

"Not only to improve our position in Group G but also to help us overcome the delicate situation we are experiencing in the league."

Ballardini believes the midweek success could mark a turning point for his team.

"Against Villarreal we created seven goalscoring chances," he said. "The victory against a strong team is a big boost in confidence for my players.

"My lads work a lot in training and to see them deliver gives me more confidence."

Lazio can expect no favours from a Bari side who have one of the best defensive lines in the competition.

The Galletti have given away just five goals in eight games since gaining promotion to the top flight this summer.

The hosts will be fired up for Sunday's match having won 2-1 at Chievo in the last round of matches for their first win on their travels.

The result lifted Bari to a respectable ninth position in the standings, one point clear of Lazio.

Bari coach Giampiero Ventura had further reason to be pleased as his side were able to end a three-match scoring drought at Chievo.

"I am delighted with the way my players handled this game," said Ventura. "We did a good job in reading the situation and we showed more determination than in previous games.

"In the end, it is goals that always decide a match."

Ventura will be eager to take something from the match against Lazio, with difficult games around the corner against in-form Parma and Sampdoria.

The hosts will be without Argentina defender Emanuel Rivas, who is out with a groin injury.

Alessandro Gazzi, Matteo Paro and Ferdinando Sforzini are still unavailable through injury.

Lazio will be without midfielder Roberto Baronio, who serves a one-match ban but welcome back Sebastiano Siviglia.

Siviglia has recovered from a muscular injury and will partner Mobido Diakite at the heart of Lazio's defence.