Igor Tudor’s reign as Lazio head coach began with the visit of Juventus to the Olimpico. The Croatian gaffer decided to change the Biancocelesti’s shape to a three man defence and started Taty Castellanos up front instead of talisman Ciro Immobile.
The new manager bounce was there for all to see in the first half with an energetic display. In truth the old lady sat back and didn’t trouble the home side. Lazio got what they deserved at the death when Matteo Guendouzi swung in a cross and Adam Marusic planted a header into Wojciech Szczesny’s net at the death as Tudor gets the ideal start to his reign.
As the Olimpico faithful welcome the new boss here are our Player Ratings:
Lazio (3-4-2-1)
Christos Mandas – 7
Very little for the Greek goalie to do in the first half until the 40th minute when he tipped a shot around the post well. Another decent save from close range after the break. Clean sheet with no issues.
Mario Gila – 6
Appeared in the Bianconeri’s half when Lazio were on the front foot but remained attentive to his defensive duties. Tore all the way back to shut down Moise Kean.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6.5
No mistakes from the Italian centre-half in the heart of the three man defence despite his lack of experience in this shape. Played a lot of the game with a high line.
Nicolo Casale – 6
Ended up in very advanced positions at times, even getting shots away. Juventus didn’t cause any issues for him.
Adam Marusic – 7.5
The more advanced role in midfield seemed to suit him better. Link up with Anderson let him make headway on the wing. Defensively he kept up with Kean through some astute defending. Came out of nowhere to plant a bullet header into the back of the net. Deserved it after a much improved display.
Daichi Kamada – 5.5
Endeavoured to make himself a presence. Dallied on the ball when Szczesny was out of position and the moment passed. Bit sharper with his passing in the second half. Will take a few games to settle himself in.
Danilo Cataldi – 6.5
Served as the main link between the backline and attack in the opening half. Tracked back to cover his defence. Captained his side well.
Felipe Anderson – 7
Set up Castellanos and got a shot away. And continued with this high octane performance, annoying Juve’s defence. Really impressed and played a part in the build up to the winner.
Mattia Zaccagni – 6
His Flicks didn’t come off and he couldn’t initiate much by himself. A more toned down display.
Pedro – 6.5
The winger hadn’t started a game in a good while but he was up to the task. Caught Szczesny out but his side couldn’t capitalise. Used up his energy and was withdrawn after an hour.
Taty Castellanos – 6
Made himself a nuisance to get on Bremer’s nerves. Hit the side netting from a big chance, could’ve done better. Put effort in however no major chances.
Substitutes:
Gustav Isaksen – 6
There was a sense that the Dane was crowded out and never properly found his feet.
Ciro Immobile – 6.5
Took around ten minutes to enter the game properly but became a bigger part of the Aquile’s attack after.
Matias Vecino – N/A
Matteo Guendouzi – 7
Deserves a special mention for his assist despite only featuring for ten minutes.