Hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit on aggregate the Biancocelesti hosted Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico for this Coppa Italia semi-final second leg. The first leg was a write-off for Lazio but they regained some confidence since with two consecutive victories in the league. Daichi Kamada provided an assist at the weekend but Coach Igor Tudor was without the Japanese international tonight after he picked up an injury.
Taty Castellanos scored twice from two top drawer Luis Alberto assists either side of half-time to level the tie and put his side 2-0 up with a header and a well taken finish. There was only one team attacking for the majority of the game as the Aquile put in a valiant and admirable display. There was only one lapse in the 83rd minute but it proved to be fatal.
Timothy Weah found space to send in a low cross that was put away by Arkadiusz Milik minutes after entering the pitch. Lazio desperately pushed for another equaliser but it never came and they bow out of the Coppa 3-2 on aggregate as a Castellanos double isn’t enough.
Let’s have a look at our Lazio Player Ratings:
Lazio (3-4-2-1)
Christos Mandas – 6
Made himself big and made a great save from very close range and punched a corner clear. Can’t expect anything of him for the goal.
Alessio Romagnoli – 5
Cut out Juve’s advances without issue and made some crucial interventions. However his one mistake was losing Milik for the goal that settled it.
Nicolo Casale – 6
Diffused any rare attacks in the first half and carried the ball forward without fear.
Mario Gila – 6.5
Was subbed off with an injury at half-time after a solid 45 minutes without issue defensively and highlighted his dynamism going forward in addition.
Elseid Hysaj – 6.5
While the Albanian often drifted forward he was hesitant to send in crosses or dangerous balls. Put himself in trouble only once or twice but overall he held the line well. No mistakes.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
Exact in his interventions to regain possession. No starring role tonight but still exhibited his high quality especially when he moved into a more advanced role.
Danilo Cataldi – 5.5
Robbed of the ball early on, upped his game after and spread the play nicely. Never overdid it and was taken off with a job well done.
Adam Marusic – 5.5
Brilliantly cleared the ball to deny a certain goal. Stood up to Weah well, then the American found a lot of space and time to cross for the deciding goal on his flank.
Luis Alberto – 7.5
Created both goals, bagging two sensational assists. Floated in a corner for the opener right onto Castellanos’s head. Then pierced the defence for the second with a fantastic pass. Another through ball to Castellanos right before half time wasn’t capitalised on. Class evident in every move.
Felipe Anderson – 7
The Catalyst to kick start Lazio’s actions. got Bianconeri defenders tangled up with his lovely control and gave a hand in the build up to both goals, winning the corner for the first and playing a great pass for the second. Looked physically tired as mistakes set in before he was called ashore.
Taty Castellanos – 8
Without a doubt his best Lazio performance so far. Perfect header to put his team ahead on the night. Fought for every single ball but squandered a golden chance to level the tie before the break. Didn’t make that mistake twice and this fighting spirit allowed him to put the second away. Burnt out by the time he came off. Great showing.
Substitutes:
Patric – 6
Astute as he slotted into the back line no problem. Put in a big block or two as well.
Matias Vecino – 6
Sat back infront of the defence to allow Guendouzi to drive on more. Can’t pin the blame on him for the goal. Solid.