It doesn’t get much bigger then a knock-out derby in Rome and that’s what the Coppa Italia gave us as Lazio and Roma faced off to start this Wednesday double header with Milan vs. Atalanta following later on. The first derby of the season was a dull and disappointing scoreless draw that did little to help either team. Tonight we got one goal as Mattia Zaccagni settles the Derby from the spot.
Both sides are dealing with a build up of injuries and absences but still were determined to field the strongest team possible to get one over on their city rivals. Jose Mourinho was without Diego Llorente who picked up injuries from the league clash with Atalanta. On top of this Evan Ndicka and Houssem Aouar are on International duty.
Maurizio Sarri’s side have won their past three fixtures and have had to do it without stalwarts Luis Alberto and Ciro Immobile. Alessio Romagnoli made a welcome return to the heart of defence alongside Patric. The biggest surprise however came between the posts where Christos Mandas took the place of first choice ‘keeper Ivan Provedel who is ill.
Once the Tifos had been taken down the game began with Lazio trying to control the play from the start. Matteo Guendouzi tried to start a quick counter-attack or two but to no avail. Crosses were swung in at either end but nobody could get the all important final touch. Mandas had an aerial battle with Romelu Lukaku that almost ended badly for the Biancocelesti but an attacking foul was spotted. Real chances were hard to come by as the ball was constantly lost and recovered in the midfield. This made it impossible to start proper attacks.
Soon after the break Lazio were awarded a penalty as Danny Huijson made contact with Taty Castellanos’s leg in the box. Daniele Orsato checked the V.A.R. monitor and pointed to the spot. Danilo Cataldi handed the ball to Mattia Zaccagni and the Winger confidently tucked away the spot kick.
Roma rarely asked questions of Mandas or the Lazio backline. A task made more difficult by the deep line they kept after the goal. It wasn’t until the 87th minute a double save was made by the net-minder. Tempers flared as 10 minutes of injury time was played at a stop-start pace. As Roma flung balls gorward Lazio escaped and Pedro was booked. Seconds later he was involved in a furious row with three Roma players and was given his second yellow along with his marching orders.
Another heated discussion ended with substitute Sardar Azmoun seeing red with only a matter of seconds to play. Lazio’s players and supporters were overjoyed when the final whistle was eventually blown.The Aquile will now go on to face the winner of Juventus vs. Frosinone – which takes place tomorrow night – in the semi-finals. A co-ordinated defensive effort made the difference as Zaccagni settles the Derby from the spot.
Here’s a look at our Lazio Player Ratings:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Christos Mandas – 5.5
Stepped in for his debut. Long kickouts weren’t always accurate but the short passes were assured. One dodgy moment in the first half under a high ball with Romelu Lukaku but a foul was called. Double save in the second half the most he had to do.
Manuel Lazzari – 6.5
Slightly slow to deal with Paolo Dybala defensively. In the attacking third he was efficient with his runs. Quick interchanges with Felipe Anderson and not afraid to get a cross or strike away after taking on a defender. Great move and cross to Guendouzi almost came off.
Patric – 6
The odd interception helped keep the Giallorossi away. Didn’t put a foot wrong tonight. No unnecessary risks taken Tried to encourage the supporters as always.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6
Return to the starting line-up. Good reading of the play led to lots of interceptions. Kept tabs on Lukaku well. Good leader to have back.
Adam Marusic – 6
Stayed defensive tonight. Did the simple things right. First adventure forward didn’t come until just before the break. All things considered a confident and convincing performance.
Danilo Cataldi – 5.5
Captain tonight. A loose touch early on. His free kick went straight at Rui Patricio but he stayed alert in the middle. Tried to follow the example of his teammates but wasn’t always succesful.
Matias Vecino – 7
Nice passes and movement all around the pitch. Often found waiting on crosses in the box. Fought to win balls back and was succesful. Couldn’t convert two big chances he had within two minutes to seal the match. Did his fair share of heavy lifting in the middle.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
Tried to start quick counter-attacks but this game was not exactly about beauty and more about getting the job done. The Frenchman brought the intensity and attentiveness required.
Felipe Anderson – 6.5
An improvement from some lacklustre showings. Carried the ball long distances into opposition territory. Determination was there for all to see. Crosses created chances.
Taty Castellanos – 6.5
He won the penalty that sent Lazio on their way and is really showing himself to be a capable alternative to Ciro Immobile. Pressed Roma’s centre halves and pounced on early mistakes.
Mattia Zaccagni – 7.5
Cool, calm and collected from the spot. He wasn’t given an easy day by the Roma defence but he still managed to carve out chances and opportunities to run. The goal gave him a second wind and he tracked back to help the defensive effort.
Substitutes:
Luca Pellegrini – 5.5
Got in on the act defensively. Cut out passes and got through his work. Provided the fresh legs needed.
Pedro – 5
Decent impact off the bench. When the ball eventually came to him he held on to it well and even created a chance late on. Unfortunately he was booked twice in quick succession and was left furious by a row with three Roma players. His red card added more nerves to the closing minutes.
Nicolo Rovella – 6
Switched on when he came in off the bench. Interceptions helped him contribute to the team performance.
Gustav Isaksen – N/A
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