Lopez ready for best season yet

The former Valencia ace has failed to reproduce his best form for Lazio since his move two years ago, but he is hoping to show the fans his true worth this term.

The Argentine ace has been linked with a move away from The Stadio Olimpico, but the skilful forward has impressed this season for Lazio and scored the equaliser in the recent 1-1 draw with Milan.

"I think this will be my best year in Italy. I hope to help the side with my goals even if I don't think that I will score that many," said Lopez.

"But I don't mind creating goals rather than scoring them. I'll leave it up to Enrico Chiesa, once he is fully fit, to find the back of the net regularly."

Lopez is also confident that, as well as a successful season on the personal front, he can enjoy a winning campaign with the team despite the loss of key duo Alessandro Nesta and Hernan Crespo.

"Up until Saturday everyone was talking about how good Milan are but now they have also been alerted to our ability. We can have our say in this title race," said Lopez.

"I think that we could go quite far because we do have the players to succeed. And there is the right atmosphere here at the club to help us achieve certain objectives.

"We walk out onto the field of play with great determination and the desire to do well. That is what the coach (Roberto Mancini) has asked from us. We need to work hard, fight for every loose ball and make sacrifices."