Serie A’s festive Friday night was a good one for a Lazio that had been saved by Ivan Provedel’s super performance away to Empoli before Christmas and from this they hoped to get round things off for the year nicely in the league where their form has been hit and miss at best. For the first time since the eighth of May 2016 the Biancocelesti would have to take to the field without stalwarts Luis Alberto, Ciro Immobile or the recently departed Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in Serie A. Quite a remarkable statistic.
Frosinone stunned reigning top flight champions Napoli in the Coppa Italia but this victory stood alone as their only victory since November. The newcomers however were in 14th place and 6 points clear of the relegation zone coming into the game.
The first half was a low key affair. Not many chances were created by either side. Ivan Provedel didn’t have a save to make until the 37th minute and Stefano Turati was equally untroubled down the other end. Some half chances fell to Taty Castellanos courtesy of Mattia Zaccagni’s efforts out wide but the Argentine striker couldn’t seem to guide any goalwards. Frosinone were more than holding their own and would’ve been content with the first period, perhaps sensing there were points there for the taking.
Just before the hour they snatched the lead. Matteo Guendouzi handled the ball while falling backwards in his own box and after a V.A.R. check Ermanno Feliciani pointed to the spot. Matias Soulé calmly sent Provedel the wrong way to ignite wild celebrations in the away section. Lazio took 12 minutes to draw level through a powerful header from Taty Castellanos right into the top corner but they only had to wait three more to take the lead.
This time Castellanos turned provider. Taking advantage of a defensive mistake he set up Gustav Isaksen who curled home a great shot into the far bottom corner. The 3-1 win was rounded off by Patric. The centre half has obviously been watching Ciro Immobile in training as his goal was reminiscent of the Lazio Talisman. Lurking at the back post and side-footing home from a corner.
Frosinone couldn’t create a proper chance afterwards and they’ll have to wait till the new year for a victory. Lazio will be thankful as Castellanos creates the comeback to give them a Festive three points. Here’s the Biancocelesti’s player ratings from this evening.
Lazio – (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 6
A spectator for almost the entire first half apart from the odd elementary stop. Sent the wrong way for the penalty but wasn’t called into action much at all.
Adam Marusic – 6
Captain tonight. Francesco Gelli was getting a decent amount of joy down this wing. Marusic didn’t make any glaring errors in the first half but could have been keener in the tackle. Did his best.
Patric – 7
Focused today. Made alot of interceptions, including diving headers and strong challenges. Got his reward with a rare goal. Found the back of the net from a loose ball at a corner. Delighted with himself.
Mario Gila – 5.5
A few clearances were scruffy. Big effort defensively but got a way with a few. Didn’t put a foot wrong in the second half.
Luca Pellegrini – 6.5
Useful attacking asset. Lovely little moves to get out of trouble and advance. Won free kicks in good positions. Signalled for a substitution soon after the break. A shame after he drilled a shot wide.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
Some of his teammates asked alot of the Frenchman with their passes. Gave cover to his defence and joined attacks. Made you wonder could he keep it up for 90 minutes. Unfortunately for him it was his handball that gave Frosinone the chance to break the deadlock. Stayed positive and kept contributing.
Nicolo Rovella – 6
Quick one touch passing in the centre before the play was spread wide. Eager to get stuck into the play. Almost played through with a smart bit of work. Solid.
Daichi Kamada – 5
Had to be more accurate with passes. Bad head on head collision with Caleb Okoli but was okay. Had a great chance when Lazio were behind but tried to be too clever and let it roll under his foot. Not what was required.
Felipe Anderson – 5
Weak enough performance and was brought off at half time. Proved to be a wise move. Very little output in the game as a whole.
Taty Castellanos – 7.5
A frustrating watch in the first half. Tended to leave the ball behind for others when he should’ve finished the chances himself. Eventually got his goal with a good strong header. Three minutes later he took advantage of a mistake to provide an assist. In the end he was a top performer.
Mattia Zaccagni – 7
An irritant to the Canarini all evening on the wing. Supplied good quality crosses and his moves involved all 3 attackers. The crowd appreciated his contribution.
Substitutes:
Gustav Isaksen – 7.5
Immediate improvement when he came on. Made a noticeable impact and the cross was on point for his assist. Took his goal very well. Curled into the bottom corner. Continued to cause trouble and is settled in now.
Elseid Hysaj – 5.5
Didn’t make any mistakes throughout his appearence and kept things in order defensively. Bit of pushing and shoving towards the end.
Matias Vecino – 6
A more defensive minded option proved useful after Lazio took the lead. Just went to work without a fuss.
Pedro – N/A
Danilo Cataldi – N/A