After a hugely turbulent week Lazio supporters would be forgiven for forgetting their team had a match this weekend. After a disastrous loss against Udinese on Monday it was decided the players would be put into Ritiro but trouble was brewing in the dressing room and in the stands with a small section of supporters voicing their disquiet with the Tuscan technician as rumours swirled about what exactly happened in the aftermath.
By Tuesday afternoon it became apparent that Maurizio Sarri had taken the decision to leave the Roman club with immediate effect.
His assistant Giovanni Martusciello was temporarily put in charge as the rest of the background staff took their leave too. He was in the dugout against Frosinone tonight with Igor Tudor very close to taking over, having discussed the opening with President Claudio Lotito. To add insult to injury first choice ‘keeper Ivan Provedel suffered a nasty ankle injury so Greek goalie Christos Mandas was brought in to net-mind this evening.
On the pitch things didn’t start well either as after only 12 minutes Frosinone were ahead. Nadir Zortea swung a cross to the back post and Pol Lirola rose highest as he put his side into the lead. Lazio were still showing signs of life however and Mattia Zaccagni equalised for the visitors from Matteo Guendouzi’s cross before half time.
Taty Castellanos was the match winner for Lazio in the end as he grabbed a brace off the bench with a header and a tap in that gave his side a two goal cushion. The game was far from over though and with twenty minutes left Walid Cheddira put the Canirini back in the game with an acrobatic finish. This made for a nervy 20 minutes but the Biancocelesti weathered the storm and came away with a very valuable victory thanks to crucial Castellanos.
As a whirlwind week comes to a close for the Biancocelesti let’s have a look at our Player Ratings:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Christos Mandas – 6
Solid early save calmed any nerves. Both goals were difficult to get to. Gave the ball straight to Frosinone who had it in the net but luckily it was ruled out. Some nice stops.
Adam Marusic – 5.5
Out of position early on. Sent Cheddira through on goal with a pass to no-one. Involved in the mix up for the second goal. Unconvincing again.
Nicolo Casale – 5.5
Not much to note as he never made any glaring errors and was never tested to the limit. The messy play that let Frosinone back into the game was a group fault.
Alessio Romagnoli – 5.5
Not a very busy night for Lazio’s defence and Romagnoli was equal to the task tonight until Frosinone forced their way back into the game which should’ve been cleared.
Luca Pellegrini – 5
Communication should have been better eith Zaccagni for the opener. Lirola should’ve been watched closer. before the break he picked up a knock and a yellow card. Outnumbered often.
Danilo Cataldi – 6
Played very deep, almost in defence to begin. Asserted himself in the centre but struggled sometimes. Physical presence all over the pitch but he tired quickly and was replaced.
Matteo Guendouzi – 7
Created and cleaned up in the middle. Positive and efficient with the ball at his feet in the first half. Perfectly placed the cross to get his assist.
Luis Alberto – 7
Left Immobile with some impossible passes to track down. Was so influential in the second half involved in the build up of both goals. Pinpoint accuracy on the free-kick on Castellanos’s head. Denied by a super-save from Turati.
Felipe Anderson – 6.5
Part of some nice link-up play with Guendouzi on his flank. Honest hard working performance from the Brazilian.
Ciro Immobile – 6
A decent chance went off target for the striker and another big one was denied by Turati. Was given a lot of running to do and Castellanos was an improvement.
Mattia Zaccagni – 7
Influential at both ends. Didn’t rise with his man as the Canirini took the lead, leaving Lirola with a unchallenged header. Drifted into the box unmarked to take his goal confidently.
Substitutes:
Manuel Lazzari – 6
Failed to set the world alight when he came on but was able to push upfield. Decent performance.
Taty Castellanos – 8
Instant impact off the bench to head Lazio into the lead. Set him into motion and he reacted quickest to score his second. Crucial goals for Lazio.
Matias Vecino – 6.5
Continued where Cataldi left off and kept things ticking over in the centre. Solid showing from the Uruguayan.
Gustav Isaksen – 5
Broke free down the wing a few times and had opportunities to create chances. Improved on recent games.