Serie A was back this weekend after the international break and the first day of action was rounded of by Sassuolo vs Lazio in Emilia Romagna. Our match report on the game can be found here. Talisman Ciro Immobile was on the bench from the first minute as his side manged to come away with the three points comfortably against the Neroverdi. Maurizio Sarri had changed a few things as he watched on from the stand but Alberto orchestrated this victory. Overall it was a good performance from the Biancocelesti. Here’s an in depth look at how each player got on this evening:
Ivan Provedel – 6
Very hard to judge a player when they’re not involved and this was Provedel’s story in the first half. Quite different in the second though as he was almost sent off for handling outside the area before VAR came to his rescue with the ball just about inside the line.
Adam Marusic – 5.5
Didn’t have much to do defensively but didn’t venture forward too much either. Intercepted most passes and did what had to be done. Solid if not spectacular.
Patric – 6.5
Hacked away a clearance and Lauriente caused him a bit of trouble in the second period. Apart from this he did the simple things right. Has grown into his role a lot.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6
Quiet from the center half. Nothing to do in the first half and didn’t need to intervene majorly in the second.
Manuel Lazzari – 6.5
Very happy to run on the counter, especially in the second half. Crossed well and used brilliant pace to leave defenders in the dust. Tried his best defensively, can still improve. Wanted to overlap with Anderson all evening
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
Volley off target early on and was a recognizable presence in the midfield. In advanced positions trying to make Sassuolo defence crumble. Appeared out right often but popped up everywhere clearing up.
Nicolo Rovella – 6
There wasn’t much threat to him in the opening period so there was no tracking back. Dealt with the simple things. Wasn’t afraid to get hands on in the middle and this ended with him in the Referee’s book. Hauled ashore early in the second half.
Luis Alberto – 8
Star of the show tonight. He was involved in every attempt to destabilize a shaky Sassuolo defence and he was successful on two occasions. Put pressure on Ruan Tressoldi to win the ball for the first goal. Was one cool customer to finish off the second as he dinked it over Andrea Consigli. Fond of a Modric-esque pass. His goal was his 50th for Lazio.
Felipe Anderson – 7
Was presented with brilliant quality service and tried to convert into goals and chances. Succeeded on both fronts. Swept past the keeper to finish and drove in a strong low cross that caused major problems in the box and was destined for Alberto’s feet to double the lead. Remained a threat in the second. Had his swagger back.
Taty Castellanos – 7
Challenges for anything going and sets up Anderson to open scoring. Nice to have a good alternative to Immobile who is happy to run and contest.
Pedro – 6
Strangely not a whole lot comes doen his wing in the first half and he is brought off early in the second half after being booked. Didn’t make any mistakes, just stepped out of the spotlight.
Substitutes:
Danilo Cataldi – 5.5
Played most of the second half. Struck sweetly on the bounce to hit the post. Would’ve finished game. Went about his work otherwise.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5.5
Has one or two shots on goal but can’t open his account this season. Full of purpose however.
Ciro Immobile – N/A
Daichi Kamada – N/A
Matias Vecino – N/A