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. The Sardinian outfit have picked up some form recently. Suffering only one loss to Juventus since going down to the other capital club, Roma at the beginning of October. However they were still languishing in 17th place at kick off.
The Biancocelesti on the other hand have been two different sides. The victory over Celtic was a great morale booster but just three days before a shock loss to basement club Salernitana made the quest for a top four spot that bit harder.
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. Manuel Lazzari got past his man and picked out the Spaniard in the middle who tapped in easily. Chances did present themselves throughout to double the lead but it couldn’t be done even with the opposition down to 10 men when Antoine Makoumbou pulled Matteo Guendouzi’s shirt when he was through on goal.
The Sardinians hardly threatened all evening except for the four minutes of injury time when Ivan Provedel was forced into a great dive to ensure Lazio made it out alive. Here’s a look at how each player did.
Ivan Provedel – 6.5
Not a save to make over 90 plus minutes. He was finally called into action in injury time with a great diving save to ensure Lazio made it out alive. Reliable.
Manuel Lazzari – 6
Good work to get his assist. Just about got the better of his man and found Pedro. Started loads of attacks from deep and used his pace to get in behind himself. A very weak header back to his ‘Keeper at the death was a heart in mouth moment but he got away with it.
Patric – 6.5
A little bit too relaxed when marking Gianmarco Lapadula during the first period. Also got in on the act in terms of starting attacks every so often. Solid at the back and won nearly all his duels.
Mario Gila – 6
Protected the box well and was ready when called upon. Cagliari hardly ever came knocking though.
Adam Marusic – 5.5
Focused defensively to limit the Isolani severely on his flank. Overlaps with Pedro more successful then during the week. Pulled together with the rest in the final minutes.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
His run resulted in Lazio gaining a man advantage after Antoine Makoumbou pulled his shirt while he had just the Goalie to beat. He had time and space in the middle to pick out passes with ease. Sometimes he took too much out of the ball.
Nicolo Rovella – 5
Held onto the ball well and put a good shift in. Capable of much more when he’s on his game.
Luis Alberto – 6
He was creative as usual but the difference was he wasn’t by himself in this role today. Those around him lightened his workload. Went down ten minutes into the second period and immediately signalled for a substitution which is concerning.
Pedro – 7
Timed his run very nicely to sidefoot from close range for one of the easiest goals he’ll get. Worked very hard on his wing but wasn’t explosive. An honest performance that proved decisive.
Ciro Immobile – 6.5
Involved in the actions of the interchanging front line all evening. Combined with Isaksen really well. Had one oppurtunity you’d expect him to put away. The rest were only half chances.
Gustav Isaksen – 7.5
Most definitely Lazio’s best player this evening. Caused problems the whole time and was getting past anyone he faced. Worked well with the other two attackers on the counter attack. Won free kicks and his pass resulted in Cagliari’s sending off. Brought off so Matias Vecino could protect the lead. Very impressive.
Substitutes:
Danilo Cataldi – 4.5
Dragged a weak shot wide. A corner went completely wayward and he had a tendency to turn backwards. On the other hand he held the line defensively.
Daichi Kamada – 5
The difference between himself and Luis Alberto in the middle was noticeable. Failed to create proper chances. Looked to be moved out wide onto the left wing to make space for Vecino in the middle.
Taty Castellanos – 5
His first touch was a shot on goal and he should’ve doubled the lead later but he was denied by a last ditch tackle. Had to be more clinical.
Felipe Anderson – 6.5
Couldn’t get settled on the left as he was soon switched to the far side. Pulled his weight defensively in the last 10 minutes with tackles and interceptions.
Matias Vecino – N/A