Lazio Boss Hails Talismanic Veteran as ‘Point of Reference’ After Empoli Win

Lazio overhauled an early deficit to become the first team in Serie A this season to defeat Roberto D’Aversa’s Empoli. Goals from Mattia Zaccagni and Pedro turned the game on its head, firing Marco Baroni’s side to their fourth consecutive triumph in all competitions.

Baroni hailed his team’s performance in last weekend’s 3-2 victory at Torino. Lazio followed up that success with a clear-cut 4-1 home win against OGC Nice in midweek UEFA Europa League action. However, things didn’t start well for the Biancocelesti on Sunday afternoon.

Sebastiano Esposito fired Empoli in front after only nine minutes. Lazio restored parity on the stroke of halftime as new captain Zaccagni headed Nuno Tavares’ cross home from an awkward angle. Taty Castellanos squandered a golden chance to turn the tables on Empoli early in the second half.

Ciro Immobile’s successor fluffed his lines from the spot, allowing Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez to thwart his penalty. The Milan loanee was helpless in the 84th minute. Second-half substitute Pedro launched a rocket from a tight angle, and it went in off the crossbar.

Despite being 37, the former Barcelona winger is still a point of difference. His late heroics salvaged three points for Lazio, catapulting them to fourth in the Serie A standings, at least until Milan’s away game against Fiorentina later tonight.

Baroni spoke highly of the veteran ace in his post-match interview with DAZN.

“Pedro is an extraordinary guy, a constant reference point for everyone,” the Lazio boss said, as reported by LaLazioSiamoNoi. “I always tell the players to watch him, even when he’s just in the locker room putting his boots on. We are happy that he’s in good shape and are eager to hold on to him tight.“