DOUBLE INJURY BLOW FOR LAZIO

NEW Lazio coach Alberto Zaccheroni's hopes of kick-starting the struggling club's season have been dealt a severe blow after doctors confirmed that Alessandro Nesta and Hernan Crespo face 40-day lay offs after limping out of Sunday's defeat at Milan.

The pair suffered muscle strains, as did Dino Baggio and Giuseppe Favalli, during the 2-0 defeat prompting concerns about the fitness regime - doubts that Zaccheroni was quick to dismiss.

Key defender Nesta will now miss Italy's crucial World Cup qualifier with Hungary on October 6th, when defeat for the Italians could see Romania leapfrog Giovanni Trapattoni's men and send the Azzurri into the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Crespo's absence leaves Lazio with only Juventus reject Darko Kovacevic and reserve player Simone Inzaghi as forward options, and speculation is sure to mount that Zaccheroni may enter the transfer market.

There was better news for Baggio and Favalli whose injuries have proved less severe and the pair should soon be available, although not before Wednesday's Champions League trip to PSV Eindhoven.