Lazio chief gives backing to under-fire Eriksson

Lazio owner Sergio Cragnotti has confirmed that Sven-Goran Eriksson is to stay as coach of the Serie A club.

Cragnotti emerged from a crisis meeting with the England coach-designate to scotch rumours that Eriksson was about to be sacked following Sunday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Napoli in Rome's Olympic Stadium.

"Everything is going to stay like it was," said Cragnotti.

"I have had a meeting with the coach and he can stay until the end of the season. It's his decision.

"Eriksson is very sad with what has happened to the team and I am very sad as well. We have a very strong team but we don't have the results that we should have.

"Eriksson can stay with the team if he wants to, it's up to him."