Lazio’s season opened with a defeat away to Lecce and they welcomed the same opponents to Rome for the lunchtime kick-off. Victory in the Derby della Capitale vs Roma on Wednesday ensured confidence was high approaching the second half of the season. Few chances caused problems for either defence and the Aquile held on for a 1-0 win courtesy of Felipe Anderson.
Ivan Provedel returned between the posts as did Luis Alberto in midfield for his first appearence since before Christmas. Taty Castellanos picked up a thigh issue against Roma, forcing Maurizio Sarri to rethink his attacking trident. He opted to play Felipe Anderson through the middle as a false nine. The Brazilian was flanked by Gustav Isaksen and Mattia Zaccagni on either side.
The first half was characterised by a lack of quality in the attacking third for both sides. The only real chance for the home team was through some nice passing between Isaksen and Alberto in the box but they were cut out at the last moment. Lecce tried to create at the other end and finished the half with three shots on target to Lazio’s sole effort. However these early attempts didn’t trouble Ivan Provedel too much and the Giallorossi will be annoyed they weren’t more clinical throughout.
In the 58th minute Nicolo Rovella found Luis Alberto lurking in the box and the Spaniard only needed one touch to announce his return with an assist. Anderson rifled into the top corner to give the Biancocelesti a 1-0 win and get back on track after a few uncertain weeks on and off the pitch as rumours swirl about his contract situation.
The last few minutes were frantic, The one goal margin giving the visitors hope. After such a cagey affair suddenly it was end to end but Lecce couldn’t maintain the pressure to break down the defence or test the goalie. Lazio probably should’ve doubled their lead to finish off the game but over the ninety minutes they only mustered two shots on goal. All ends well however as Felipe fires Lazio to victory.
Here are our Lazio Player Ratings as Felipe fires Lazio to victory:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 6
Early shots were straight at him. One dodgy pass to Guendouzi caused a problem. Wasn’t troubled too much.
Adam Marusic – 6
Dealt with balls over the top well. Was equal to most attempts on his flank. Only beaten once to let a dangerous cross in. Didn’t venture forward as he stays solid defensively.
Mario Gila – 6.5
Composed on the ball. Alert to developing moves. Denied Mohamed Kaba well. Really quick into tackles today. Impressive.
Patric – 6
Cut out passes and wasn’t afraid to break the defensive line when he needed to. All was going well until the 23rd minute when he couldn’t shake a shoulder issue he picked up in a tussle and had to come off injured.
Luca Pellegrini – 5
Mixed the bad with good. Pulled out of position on a few occasions and left gaps in the defence as a result. Some good passes going forward but should’ve been more attentive to players around him.
Nicolo Rovella – 6.5
Lots of touches all over the pitch. Started the move for the goal with some purposeful running and picked out Alberto. Really nice performance managing midfield operations.
Matteo Guendouzi – 5.5
Won duels across the midfield easily. He was less influential this afternoon, perhaps a little fatigued. A late cross almost doubled his side’s lead.
Luis Alberto – 7
Held up the ball in the opposition box well early and set Gustav Isaksen up. Took passes from defence and turned them into attacks. Wingers wasted some passes but the one touch assist showed what he does best and how critical he can be to Lazio’s play.
Gustav Isaksen – 5.5
The Danish winger earned this start but tried to do it all himself by taking far too much out of the ball when others around him were in better positions. Lost the ball as a result of this indecisiveness and was withdrawn at half time. On the other hand the one first half chance chance came through him.
Felipe Anderson – 7
Took a little bit to get going but when the ball came to him he burst into life with quick movements to get into space. Entrusted with a difficult role through the middle today once again. Delivered the winning goal to silence any doubts about his form.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5
Valentin Gendrey made it hard for him to inflict damage. Zaccagni became frustrated with this and got himself booked which means he misses the next match. Had one shot on the turn that landed on the roof of the net. Not brilliant.
Substitutes:
Alessio Romagnoli – 6
No moments called for massive interventions. Just got his job done.
Pedro – 6
Link up went well with Alberto and he had a shot no far off goal. Afterwards he drifted out of the game slightly. Appeared every so often to apply pressure to the defence.
Matias Vecino – 6
Remained calm in the frantic final minutes and it made a big difference to Lazio’s play. There was no concern when he looked after the midfield. Kept things stable.
Manuel Lazzari – 6.5
Brought fresh energy to the wing when it was needed and this helped him deal with substitute Gabriel Strefezza.