The season starts here as Lazio is unveiled

In recent years, the day when the squad assembles for the beginning of pre-season training has become one of the most intriguing events in the entirety of the Lazio year. Typically, it is today that fans get their first glance of the team and a glimpse of how much the boys may or may not have spent working in the gym during the summer months.

This season, there are new dimensions to the old saga as many wait to see who still has a contract, who may have opted to come to Rome and who is absent and perhaps venturing to pastures new. Some questions were undoubtedly answered this evening.

Firstly, Alvaro Gonzalez and Pablo Pintos, the two Uruguayan individuals who were reported to undergo medicals have suffered contrasting fates. Gonzalez is currently in Rome undergoing the necessary medical tests, while the Pintos deal has been put firmly on hold. Due to the new regulations imposed by the FIGC and the apparent desire to sign Brazilian midfielder Hernanes, the aim is now to sign Pintos permanently but only once a loan arrangement with another team is found or until negotiations with Hernanes breaks down. A non-EU spot will become available next season when, presumably, Pintos would return to Rome. As it stands, Lazio cannot sign Hernanes and Pintos and this is becoming a severe issue as time wares on.

Meanwhile, Reja has expressed his belief that both Ledesma and Kolarov will be at our disposal for the new season and that if either of them are to depart, they will be adequately replaced. These words will surely be a comfort to some but only time will tell how their respective situations pan out.

Also today, Lazio's kits for the 2010/2011 season were officially unveiled. They were leaked during the week and it must be said that the initial grainy pictures made them look far from impressive. However, having seen the kits on the squad, initial concerns may now disappear.

The home strip is traditional and although it will not win awards for innovation, it does at least stay true to the colours which can draw few complaints. This appears to be the greatest concern to the Lazio public and the home shirt should certainly satisfy general tastes.

The away strip has bemused many as the dark shade of green is not considered to be particularly representative of the club. Nevertheless, it is probably plain enough to avoid widespread criticism.

The third strip is highly unorthodox. The hooped pattern is unconventional for Lazio and the overall design of the shirt is comparable to the away kit that Ghana wore in the World Cup. Compared to the other two jerseys, the third shirt stands out significantly and is likely to cause a mixed reaction. However, it would be surprising if all three kits combine to cause the drama generated by last season's offering.

While the unveiling of new shirts is always exciting, most fans would certainly hope that Lazio ooze style with their calcio rather than their shirts in the forthcoming season.