Auronzo di Cadore: Week two and still everything is going swimmingly

Week two at Auronzo di Cadore and the build-up to the new season is becoming increasingly frantic. Inevitably, the injury list has started to grow weary and transfer sagas have begun to find a resolution. However, the on-camp atmosphere has remained promising and hope can be found for the new season.

Spending a considerable amount of time on the medical sickbeds this week were Rocchi, Floccari, Radu, Firmani, Correa, Matuzalem, Diakite' and Foggia. Thankfully though, these injuries are short-term issues and if everything was to run smoothy, the roster would be one-hundred percent fit and ready for the new season.

That roster, however, will be minus Aleksandar Kolarov. After weeks of speculation, the player has finally completed his big money move to frivolous Manchester City, linking up with ex-Lazio boss, Roberto Mancini. Antonelli is still the frontrunner to replace him but developments have been lacking in recent days.

There is another possible departure on the cards. Pablo Pintos is said to have been unimpressive in Auronzo thus far and Reja and Lotito may conspire to send the Uruguayan back home with old employers, San Lorenzo a possible destination. A loan deal would make this a legitimate move but the legality of canceling his contract is debatable. The 'new Maicon' is not officially a laziale as his contract has yet to be deposited with the FIGC, who recently changed the ruling on the transferring of non-EU players to Italy. This story could potentially rumble on for quite some time.

Back to Auronzo and the squad have had to face friendlies this week against mediocre opposition. All games have ended in comfortable victories barring a grueling 1-1 draw with Iran. Certain players have certainly stepped up; Bresciano is contributing to the point where you can safely say he looks at home while Kozak is racking up an incredibly tally of goals and Pedro Luis Cavanda, a Primavera hopeful, is quickly making a name for himself on the right flank.

It is still early days in the team's preparation and undoubtedly, there are sterner tests lying on the horizon but nevertheless, the progress so far has been amiable. This Lazio appears to be in a much better place than last season's wannabes.