Igor Tudor and Mattia Zaccagni returned to haunt their former side tonight as Lazio overcame Hellas Verona 1-0 thanks to a neat Zaccagni finish after a quick one-two with Luis Alberto. Verona mustered very little going forward but Lazio had to work hard to carve out this victory.
Tudor changed his squad’s shape during the second period, his players reacted well to any positional changes and never lost their solidity. The Croatian will be happy to come away with all three points instead of what would’ve been a disappointing home draw.
Let’s have a look at our Lazio Player Ratings:
Lazio ( 3-4-2-1)
Christos Mandas – 5.5
Came out when he should’ve stayed at home and was lucky Verona didn’t score. Didn’t face a shot on target until the hour mark. Brilliant reaction save from a free kick.
Patric – 6
Overlapped Isaksen to join the attack. A miscommunication with Mandas almost went very wrong. Quiet second half.
Alessio Romagnoli – 5.5
Not as polished a performance as he would have liked and was booked. Managed to get his work done though. A clumsy mistake at the death led to a heart in mouth moment but luck was on his side.
Nicolo Casale – 5
The Italian was unconvincing tonight especially with the ball at his feet. In fairness he made a small improvement as the half progressed but was hauled ashore after an hour.
Gustav Isaksen – 5.5
Handed a difficult task tonight with more defensive responsibility then he’s used to. The Dane’s play featured trickery and a handful of shots some of which were wayward. Just lacked precision.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
Went down in the box after a tangle of legs but there was very little in it. Was the middle man in many situations for the Aquile while battling in the engine room. Came up with a brilliant pass to Castellanos too.
Daichi Kamada – 6.5
Seemed to be happier and more excited as he eventually finds some form. Consequently found himself in many promising positions. Almost surprised to be through on goal at one stage. Great range of passing.
Adam Marusic – 6.5
Captained his side tonight and provided an exemplary display. Shifted to a more defensive position when Tudor tweaked the shape without an issue.
Felipe Anderson – 6
Quick flashes of brilliance created openings however Lazio didn’t build on many. Rattled the crossbar from long range and remained a livewire all evening.
Luis Alberto – 7
His passing radar was faulty at times but there were still some diamonds in the rough, none more so then his assist for Zaccagni. Put it on a plate for his teammate. Pivotal again.
Taty Castellanos – 6
Quality of passes to Castellanos was low but he ploughed on. Became the pickpocket for his side, constantly winning balls and starting counter-attacks. Lorenzo Montipo denied him with a good save.
Substitutes:
Mattia Zaccagni – 7.5
Once again scored against his former side and grabbed all three points for the Biancocelesti by initiating a chance himself then collecting the ball back off Luis Alberto to find the net in a crowded area.
Pedro – 6.5
He wasted a big chance with the first shot he took on which blazed wide. Hit the post from a free kick. Positive and energetic.