Lazio's $90 million subs can "learn" from bench - coach
( 2001-11-05 10:12 ) (7 )

Lazio coach Alberto Zaccheroni says the club's three most expensive players -- Gaizka Mendieta, Claudio Lopez and Stefano Fiore -- can learn from the sidelines after they were dropped for Sunday's 5-0 win over Brescia.

Spanish international Mendieta, who was bought from Valencia for $41 million in July and Argentine Lopez, who was signed also from Valencia for $26.6, were left out after some poor recent showings.

Italy international Fiore, a $23.8 million purchase from Udinese, was also relegated to the bench.

"I felt it was time for a change. Mendieta, Fiore and Lopez have not yet settled into the squad this season and hopefully by watching they can also learn," Zaccheroni told Italian television station Rai 2.

"But it was not a punishment for them. They have found it hard and they have team mates who can help the team do well."

Zaccheroni brought in Yugoslav midfielder Dejan Stankovic and striker Simone Inzaghi who both took full advantage of rare starts by getting on the scoresheet and helping set up goals for hat-trick hero Hernan Crespo.

The win gave Lazio a much-needed boost after their exit from the Champions League following a 1-0 away defeat to Nantes on Wednesday.

Zaccheroni was upbeat about his team's performances but was clearly still smarting from the loss to the French champions.

"Today we played well but I wish a couple of those goals had come against Nantes.

"We are slowly getting back into form and hopefully after today's showing we can leave those difficult times behind. Now we need to find consistency," said Zaccheroni.