Planet Sport

Veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi has gone on record to deny that there are problem between Mauro Zarate and himself at Lazio.

Zarate was the toast of Lazio after a stunning start to the current Serie A campaign, but his form has dipped in the recent weeks.

In last weekend's matchup with Palermo, Zarate proved ineffective against the Rosanero and was substituted by Rocchi. The Argentinean appeared to be displeased with being replaced, and it was noted that Zarate did not celebrate Rocchi's winning goal against the Aquile.

The press have been pitting the two strikers against each other, but Rocchi has stated that there is no bad blood between the two.

"I don't think his reaction was voluntary," Rocchi said in an interview. "It shouldn't be interpreted in a negative way, but of course it always is."

Lazio boss Delio Rossi is known to change his striking line-up during the match as he has the talents of Zarate, Rocchi and Goran Pandev at his disposal. He usually starts two of them and leaves one on the bench, though.

"A player is never happy when he is taken off," Rocchi added. "However, it's important to behave in the correct way towards your teammates. The most important thing is that Lazio win."

The Biancocelesti are now seventh in the Serie A standings going into the winter break. Their next league fixture is on January 11 against Reggina.