Davide Kociu, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Matteo Guendouzi joined Lazio last summer after a protracted negotiation with Olympique Marseille. However, he disclosed that his choice was clear.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Genoa: Guendouzi Gets Off the Mark

December 6, 2023 Davide Kociu Coppa Italia, Genoa, Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings

The Coppa Italia round of 16 began tonight in Rome as Lazio hosted Genoa. Matteo Guendouzi met a Luca Pellegrini cross after 5 minutes and finished neatly into the corner. This proved to be the only goal of the game as the Biancocelesti won 1-0 and Guendouzi got his first Lazio goal.

Pedro has been playing at a high level since he completed a rare crosstown switch from Roma to Lazio. He has entered the final months of his contract,

Lazio Player Ratings vs Cagliari: Isaksen Impresses as Pedro Pounces

December 2, 2023 Davide Kociu Cagliari, Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

After securing knockout Champions League football in the new year Lazio lined out against Cagliari in the 14th round of this season's Serie A. Pedro got on the score sheet after just eight minutes and this proved to be the decisive goal as the home side just about held on for a 1-0 win.

Ciro Immobile came off the bench late against Fiorentina but took center stage following a rough stretch with a clutch PK.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Celtic: Ciro the Hero Reigns in Rome

November 28, 2023 Davide Kociu Celtic Glasgow, Champions League, European Cups, International Football, Lazio, Player Ratings

Lazio went down 2-1 to Salernitana at the weekend and were in need of a win. Ciro Immobile was brought on with half an hour left and pounced on two chances in three minutes to ensure Lazio’s 2-0 victory. An important three points for the standings and morale as Ciro the hero reigns tonight in Rome.

Lazio might lose another linchpin to Saudi Arabia after Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, as Al Hilal have started eyeing his compatriot Adam Marusic.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Salernitana: A Sinking Feeling in Salerno

November 25, 2023 Davide Kociu Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings, Salernitana, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Serie A returned after the international break with this duel in Salerno. The home side were bottom of the table and without a win all season. Until today. On a woeful afternoon for Maurizio Sarri here's where his squad went wrong as they're left with a sinking feeling in Salerno.

Maurizio Sarri gave a brief speech to the players before handing over his resignation and leaving the Formello training center for good.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Roma: Derby Stalemate

November 12, 2023 Davide Kociu Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

The Derby della Capitale took place at the Stadio Olimpico this evening. After both sets of Ultras showed off their Tifos in the stands Jose Mourinho's Roma side took on Maurizio Sarri's Lazio. Both sides battled over the 90 minutes but neither could find the magic touch to get all three points.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Feyenoord: Immobile Keeps the Dream Alive

November 8, 2023 Davide Kociu Champions League, European Cups, International Football, Lazio, Player Ratings

Lazio’s Champions League fate hung in the balance tonight as group leaders Feyenoord travelled to the eternal city. Here's how Maurizio Sarri's men got on in their first big game of the week.

Maurizio Sarri rejoiced for the opportunity of being given time and new signings at Lazio and looked back at his previous stints in an interview.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Fiorentina: Immobile is Man of the Moment.

October 31, 2023 Davide Kociu Fiorentina, Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Lazio hosted Fiorentina in the capital this evening, hoping to bounce back from their mid-week defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League. Maurizio Sarri named a team with four changes from that game. One of which meant Talisman Ciro Immobile started from the bench. The striker was brought on for the final 15 minutes and his presence proved decisive for the Biancocelesti. Here's how the Lazio players rated this evening as Immobile is man of the moment.

Lotito has weighed in on Ciro Immobile after the striker voiced his malcontent for the lack of gratitude after turning down an offer from Saudi Arabia.

Lazio vs Fiorentina 1-0: Immobile’s Smash and Grab

October 31, 2023 Davide Kociu Fiorentina, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Serie A's 10th round was brought to a close with an entertaining match in Rome. The Viola came in on a high after their 6-0 win in Europe on Thursday but wanted to keep pace at the top of the league as well. Lazio on the other had shown both sides of themselves in the past week, giving arguably their best performance of the season against Sassuolo but a terrible display in the Netherlands against Feyenoord meant the morale needed a boost. The visitors ultimately fell victim to Immobile's smash and grab in injury time.

Maurizio Sarri surprisingly excluded Luis Alberto from the XI against Inter, giving Daichi Kamada a shot despite his subpar performances.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Sassuolo: Alberto Orchestrates Victory

October 21, 2023 Davide Kociu Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Maurizio Sarri had changed a few things as he watched on from the stand but Alberto orchestrated this victory. Overall it was a good performance from the Biancocelesti. Here's an in depth look at how each player got on this evening:

Sassuolo vs Lazio: 0-2 Anderson and Alberto’s Double Whammy

October 21, 2023 Davide Kociu Italian Football, Lazio, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Serie A was back this weekend after the international break and the first day of action was rounded of by Sassuolo and Lazio in Emilia Romagna. The Neroverdi have already claimed wins over Inter and Juventus this season and wanted to collect another big scalp against Lazio tonight. But a disappointing defensive display meant they fell victim to Anderson and Alberto's double whammy. Here's how things went at the Citta del Tricolore

The Curva Nord of the Stadio Olimpico will be shut close for the upcoming match between Lazio and Empoli after the racist incident involving Samuel Umtiti.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Atalanta: Vecino on the Score Sheet Again

October 8, 2023 Davide Kociu Atalanta, Italian Football, Lazio, Player Ratings, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, Uncategorized

Matias Vecino produced a lovely goal to give Lazio their third league win of the season. Below is how the Biancocelesti rated on a beautiful Autumn day in Rome

Lazio vs Atalanta: 3-2 Vecino Seals Win in Thriller

October 8, 2023 Davide Kociu Atalanta, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024

Atalanta travelled to Rome in the pick of this afternoon's Serie A matches. 6 points separated the sides before kick-off. Lazio had only two wins under their belt in what is proving to be a tough start for the club. Atalanta on the other hand were unbeaten in their last five fixtures and hadn't lost to Lazio in Rome since 2017.

Author: Davide Kociu