Lazio will have to overcome the absence of striker Julio Cruz for Sunday's home game against Bologna.

Cruz, who is the Biancoceleste´s top scorer with three goals this season, will serve his first of a three-match ban this weekend.

The Argentina forward was punished after biting Napoli defender Leandro Rinaudo´s arm during last weekend´s goalless tie between the two sides.

The referee failed to see the action but Cruz did not escape video replay.

The Biancoceleste club have appealed the ban, which if unsuccessful would also see Cruz miss out on next weekend´s city derby against Roma.

Cruz´s absence is a blow for Davide Ballardini´s side, who have struck just twice in their last five games.

Lazio have mustered just nine goals in 13 games this season and not since the 1966-67 campaign have the Biancoceleste suffered a worst record in front of goal.

The Romans will be desperate to turn their fortunes around against Bologna having failed to win a Serie A game since August 30.

Since then they have mustered six points from a possible 33 and their dismal form has seen them fall 15th in the standings, level on 12 points with 18th-placed Livorno.

Lazio fans will be desperate for Mauro Zarate to increase his goal tally with the Argentinian forward having found the back of the net just twice this season.

Zarate is set to play alongside Tommaso Rocchi, who returns after missing last weekend´s clash through suspension.

Both sides will be under pressure to claim a win on Sunday knowing a defeat at the Stadio Olimpico could see them fall into the relegation zone.

"Lazio are going through a black period," said Bologna midfielder Nicola Mingazzini. "They played at Napoli with the intention of claiming a point.

"Lazio are currently suffering and that is why we must take advantage on Sunday."

It will be no easy task as Bologna travel to the Eternal City in search of their first victory on the road this season.

The Rossoblu have mustered two points on their travels and head into Sunday´s match level on 12 points with Lazio.

Despite losing 3-1 to Inter Milan in the last round, coach Franco Colomba was pleased with his team´s performance but hopes his side can deliver on Sunday.

"Inter are a very strong side," said Colomba. "They are physically stronger and technically better.

"They are a very hard team to beat.

"I don't think we could have done anything more.

"We do, however, need to improve defending set pieces, especially against strong teams.

"We know the game against Lazio is going to be very difficult as like us, they are desperate to get maximum points."

The hosts are still without the injured Ousmane Dabo, Albano Bizzarri, Sebastiano Siviglia, Pasquale Foggia and Francelino Matuzalem.

Colomba will have to make some changes to his starting XI with midfielders Luigi Lavecchia, Massimo Mutarelli and Francesco Valiani sidelined through injury.