Atalanta vs. Lazio was served as the Antipasto to the Derby d’Italia later this evening between Inter and Juventus. This game was a head to head clash between two rivals vying for a Champions League spot. They were separated by just two points at kick-off with Atalanta sitting happily in fourth on 36 points but a win would allow their visitors to leapfrog four teams and rob their spot. Maurizio Sarri made just one change to the side that could only fire blanks in a dire game last week against Napoli, Nicolo Rovella started in midfield this evening. In the end it was an easy 3 – 1 victory for Gianpiero Gasperini’s men.
Lazio found it difficult to create chances again tonight and could only generate one shot on goal. Atalanta took the lead after a quarter of an hour through Mario Pasalic’s impressive finish from close range and they doubled their lead before half time from the spot sfter Adam Marusic handled the ball. Charles De Ketelaere sent Ivan Provedel the wrong way and it was the Belgian forward who put the game to bed in the 76th minute with a nice bit of footwork on the right and a neat finish into the near corner. Berat Djimsiti clipped Ciro Immobile with less then 10 minutes left and Marco Guida pointed to the spot again. Immobile slotted home to give his side a consolation goal.
Atalanta now have three wins in a row in the league and have widened the gap between themselves and the chasing pack. This bleak evening in Bergamo really hurts Lazio’s top four aspirations with another lacklustre display for the Biancocelesti. Here are our Lazio Player Ratings:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 5.5
A good save early on. Not much he could do to stop the opener and was sent the wrong way for the penalty. Perhaps he could’ve done better for the third goal
Adam Marusic – 4
The defender was a little unlucky to give away the penalty with a handball that came from close range. Was caused a lot of problems out wide and didn’t have the answers often enough. Switched to the right after the break to try contain De Ketelaere.
Alessio Romagnoli – 4.5
Front line cause him trouble from the beginning and he really struggled to grow into the game. Unusual as he’s usually a leader.
Mario Gila – 4
De Ketelaere pulls him out of position on numerous occasions and he could have stuck with Pasalic better. Really struggled and his suffering was there for everyone to see. Didn’t return for the second half.
Manuel Lazzari – 4.5
The Italian didn’t offer the cover required against such a demanding attack. He produced some darting runs but the defensive side of his game was just not up to standard. Replaced at the break too.
Nicolo Rovella – 5
Very little impact on the midfield tonight. Drowned out by the oppositon. Got booked and will miss the next game.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
More success in the middle then Rovella, he created some opportunities for the front line and linked up with Gustav Isaksen often in the second period. Difficult to do it by himself though.
Luis Alberto – 5.5
Couldn’t light the fire tonight. Not able to drag his team back into the game. Lack of smart and good quality passes was apparent. His free kick landed on the roof of the net.
Felipe Anderson – 5
Put effort into his play but nothing comes of it. Latched onto the odd long pass but wasn’t clinical enough to create clear cut opportunities.
Taty Castellanos – 3
Hardly saw the ball all evening. A mix of bad service and being denied opportunities by the defence contributed to a ghost like display.
Gustav Isaksen – 4.5
Took one too many touches then necessary often. Found it really difficult to break through the lines or excite supporters. One good chance in the second half but the shot went over.
Substitutes:
Luca Pellegrini – 4
Got turned inside out by De Ketelaere for the third goal, had his body facing the wrong way. Looked eager but hardly contributed.
Nicolo Casale – 5
Sured up the defence a little with duels but the damage was mostly done by then.
Ciro Immobile – 6.5
Won and converted the penalty as well as coming close a few other times. Offered more and Lazio showed an improvement when he came off the bench.
Pedro – 5.5
Endeavoured to get forward and brought a bit of energy to proceedings. Didn’t translate it into chances however.
Matias Vecino – 5.5
By the time he came on the midfield had been overrun and he couldn’t do much to rescue it despite putting in a admirable effort. Cut out passes and turned over the play.