Inter were on top of the table by one point coming into this game and their mission was to extend this lead to four points by capitalising on Juventus’ 1-1 draw away to Genoa under the Friday night lights. However the Nerazzurri hadn’t beaten Lazio away since 2018 and the capital outfit needed any inspiration they could find at the moment.

Despite qualifying for the round of 16 in the Champions League an extremely blunt display away to Atletico Madrid midweek dampened the general mood further. So far the Biancocelesti are having a topsy-turvy season but were still within striking distance of the top four some how at kick off.

Lazio started with the better chances and were unlucky on a few occasions not to take the lead. It wasn’t all one way traffic and the home team undid all their good work with five minutes remaining in the first half with Adam Marusic’s mishap. He played a woeful pass towards his own box and it was cut out with ease by Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker rounded the helpless Ivan Provedel and tucked away the opener.

With this shock just before half time Lazio found it hard to dominate as they had early on and Inter were the better of the two during the second 45. After creating some half chances Inter doubled their lead on 66 minutes through Marcus Thuram. Although Lazio did cause some issues they couldn’t get on the score sheet and will be disappointed with giving up a game they definitely had a chance in. The Nerazzurri held on to their 2-0 lead as Manuel Lazzari got himself a straight red card with a few minutes remaining for what looked like dissent.

Here’s how Lazio’s players got on this evening.

Lazio (4-3-3)

Ivan Provedel – 6

Stranded by Marusic’s pass. Not much he can do. Until then there was not much to deal with. In the second period he pulled off two great saves to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Manuel Lazzari – 5

Made an effort defensively, tracked back. Federico Dimarco could get past him easily though. Was given a straight red card for what seemed to be dissent in the 87th minute and was not impressed.

Nicolo Casale – 5.5

A great tackle on Marcus Thuram early on. However he struggled with the Nerazzurri striker and was caught with his back to him. Not all bad but wasn’t goalside of his man sometimes.

Mario Gila – 5

Thuram caused trouble for the Lazio defense as a whole during the first half and Gila persevered to keep tabs on him but it was hit and miss. He seemed to trick Marusic into thinking a pass was on for the mistake.

Adam Marusic – 4

From the beginning his passing wasn’t on point. He was contributing going forward until his mishap – a hospital ball to no one in particular gave Lautaro Martinez the opener. A shame as he wasn’t doing badly.

Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5

Attackers were playing off him and he followed up later in the moves to get shots away. Popped up everywhere to pick up the ball. Impressive energy levels again.

Nicolo Rovella – 5.5

On corner duty this evening. They weren’t overly impressive. Some interceptions were important. Had a great chance after robbing the ball off Hakan Çalhanoglu and travelling half the pitch with it he couldn’t get a good shot away. Good effort.

Daichi Kamada – 5

Nice movements around the middle but his passes were slightly too cautious. Got shots away. Should have used these chances better. Mixed the good with bad.

Mattia Zaccagni – 6.5

Made the ball his on many occasions and worked with it well. A great cross was placed on Immobile’s head. It’s a shame no one could finish the chances he generated. Lazio’s best player this evening with his fast feet.

Ciro Immobile – 6

Did well during the first period. Involved in generating chances and trying to get on the end of others. More involved then during the week. Gave support for others and had a header wide. Difficult task faced him with Inter’s defence.

Felipe Anderson – 5.5

Positive but the his crosses came to nothing in the opening minutes. Rapid bursts of movement were effective but nothing of substance. Most play came down the far side so he didn’t get much of a look in.

Substitutes:

Luis Alberto – 5

Just as he entered the match Lazio went behind by two and there was very little he could do to rescue this situation. By then players around him were tired and there was a lack of energy.

Danilo Cataldi – N/A

Pedro – N/A

Taty Castellanos – N/A

Lazio vs Inter Throwback: Ronaldo and That Epic UEFA Cup Final