Before facing Bavarian giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday Lazio travelled to face Cagliari who were on a three match losing streak. Unfortunately for the Rossoblu that was extended today as they were outdone by Ciro Immobile and friends in a 3-1 win for the visitors.
Lazio opened the scoring through an own-goal by Alessandro Deiola after Gustav Isaksen’s pacy cross caused confusion on 26 minutes.
After the break Lazio’s talisman Immobile hit 200 Serie A goals as he pounced on a loose ball to double the Biancocelesti’s lead. A reminder of just how deadly the striker can be when he gets the chance.
Almost immediately however the home side hit back through a fantastic long-range strike from Gianluca Gaetano that caught their oppositon by surprise. This gave the home support something to shout about.
It was short lived though as Lazio broke away in the 65th minute. Matias Vecino played a simple ball to Felipe Anderson and the Winger finished with a deflected shot off Gabriele Zappa to close the game out.
All things considered it was a comfortable win to set themselves up nicely for their Champions League showdown.
Here’s how the Aquile rated today in Sardegna as Immobile hits 200 Serie A goals:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 7
Cagliari didn’t ask many serious questions in the first half but the ‘keeper produced a fine reaction save with his foot on the stroke of half time. During the second period he was busier and got down quickly to make some great saves in the bottom corners. Consistently great goalkeeping.
Elseid Hysaj – 5.5
His forward passes didn’t find their intended targets often enough in the first period but defensively there was very little to complain about.
Mario Gila – 6.5
Vigilant defending helped limit Cagliari to very little, a sliding interception in the box was his highlight. Quick out to meet players at the edge of the area after Gaetano’s strike.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6
Composed, controlled showing from the centre half. Could have closed Gaetano down quicker for the goal and Antoine Makoumbou Caused some issues but Romagnoli recovered. Booked and will miss the game with Bologna next week.
Adam Marusic – 6
Has suffered a dip in form recently but he was equal to the task today even if the Sardinians struggled to create. Managed the flank well.
Danilo Cataldi – 6
Fulfilled his role well with very little troubling him. A great through ball found Ciro Immobile during the opening half. Didn’t put a foot wrong today.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
Appeared wide and made a darting run before swinging in a useful cross at the beginning. Often involved with the wingers. Generally solid with the odd stand-out pass.
Luis Alberto – 5.5
Tried to split the Isolani’s defence many times throughout the game but they didn’t all pan out as he would’ve liked. Some moves lacked substance. Dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box. Hot and cold.
Gustav Isaksen – 6.5
Lazio didn’t activate his side of the pitch too often in the first half so he was limited in his output. However it was his cross that caused the confusion and the own-goal. Once more he was involved for the second goal as his shot was parried and Immobile followed up. Often showed good skill. Constant thorn in Cagliari’s side.
Ciro Immobile – 7
Was a threat from the start and forced Simone Scuffet into tipping his shot over. Took the ball down to start the action for the opener and found Felipe Anderson. Pounced on a loose ball to finish from a very tight angle and earn his 200th Serie A goal. A remarkable achievement.
Felipe Anderson – 7
Much improved display on recent games for the Brazilian today, involved in all three goals. Excellent presence of mind to spot Isaksen for the opener. Again played a role in the build up for the second with his burst and finally got on the scoresheet himself with a deflected effort off Gabriele Zappa. Fine performance.
Substitutes:
Matias Vecino – 6
Immediately involved and gave Anderson an assist. Impacted the game at both ends helping the defensive effort and showing off some intelligent play.
Taty Castellanos – 5.5
The Argentine’s run allowed Lazio to escape and score their third goal. He put himself about well but by then Lazio were more concentrated on the defensive side of things.
Daichi Kamada – N/A
Pedro – N/A
Serie A Heroes: “Roar of Thunder” Gigi Riva, the Pride of Cagliari