Roman's new hit list

"January is a difficult month with injuries and suspensions and we'll need to strengthen. It's hard to secure players at that time because clubs need replacements and we have to be sure the players aren't cuptied."

Ranieri refused to rule out a move for Ayala. He added: "Yesterday I was asked about signing Michel Salgado from Madrid and I have other things in my mind. It's not possible in November.

"We're doing well but must improve more. I've been pleased because our start has been good but I am not satisfied. We have a lot of match-winners and goal-scorers but we have to kill the match when we have the chance." Frank Lampard, who scored in the 2-1 win over Lazio a fortnight ago, also believes Chelsea are performing below their best.

"Everyone says we've gelled pretty quickly but we know we can play better," he said. "We've played some good football at times but need to be more consistent.

"If we keep working hard in training then we'll only get better and achieve better results. It's great to say that we're not playing at our best but are second in the Premiership and top of our Champions League group."

Hernan Crespo will have a late fitness test on his groin injury but Ranieri has no other injury problems. Juan Veron is expected to start against his old club in a five-man midfield behind a lone striker of Crespo or Adrian Mutu.

Ranieri said: "It will be difficult as Lazio are a good team. They are a direct team and will have grown in confidence since the first match.

"But we always play to win. My philosophy is to demand the best and I never tell my players that a draw is good. For Abramovich every result is important."

Lazio manager Roberto Mancini is adamant his club has the ability to beat Chelsea and then city rivals Roma at the weekend.

Mancini said: "I want to try and beat the English team and then Roma."

Lazio will be without veteran goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, who has a thigh injury, and Matteo Sereni stands in. Defender Jaap Stam is also struggling with a hamstring injury.