Vecino nets the winner to start the New Year off in the best fashion for Lazio who had to overcome a stubborn Udinese this afternoon. The hosts beat the high flying Bologna before the turn of the year to claim their first win since November. Lazio needed all points on offer to make up ground in the race for European spots.
After taking the lead through an intelligent low free-kick struck with the left foot of Luca Pellegrini into the bottom corner the Biancocelesti looked comfortable going into the break and Maurizio Sarri would’ve been quite happy with what he saw.
Just before the hour though Pellegrini fouled Festy Ebosele and the Zebrette drew level through Walace’s opportunistic finish at the near post found it’s way past Ivan Provedel. the game was wide open.
All afternoon the home team had been struggling to create and eventually this came back to haunt them when Sarri deployed one of his most trusted players in Matias Vecino. The Uruguayan has a habit of popping up at important moments and he did it again in Udine today.
Felipe Anderson sent him on his way with a gentle header into his path and the midfielder did the rest. With three touches Vecino nets the winner with less then 15 minutes remaining to settle the game.
This loss means Udinese sink closer towards the relegation zone while this will be an encouraging performance for the Aquile before the Coppa Italia derby on Wednesday evening.
Here’s an in depth look at how Sarri’s men got on today:
Lazio (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 6
One punch to safety was all he had to do during the first half. Udinese’s equaliser passed alot of bodies on the way to the net making it difficult for the ‘keeper.
Luca Pellegrini – 6
Very intelligent free kick to give Lazio the lead. Struck sweetly with his left straight into the bottom corner. Unfortunately his rash challenge on Festy Ebosele led to the scores being levelled.
Mario Gila – 5
Not as assured as recent performances but no glaring errors. Taken off with four minutes left to let Alessio Romagnoli make his return. One very important block in the second half denied the home side.
Patric – 6
Took a bad fall within the first minute. Not much to defend against during the first half. Stayed solid throughout but the game wasn’t too taxing on him
Adam Marusic – 6.5
Very little to deal with but intercepted anything that came his way. As the game progressed he became more engaged in attacks but concentrated on keeping the back four in order with success.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
Began the game sitting a bit deeper but soon took up his usual role running the Biancocelesti’s midfield. Swiftly took care of any growing counter-attacks.
Nicolo Rovella – 6.5
The midfielder enforcer today. Up to the task from the start and made challenges. Had a heated discussion with Walace just before the break. The Italian’s work ethic was second to none today.
Daichi Kamada – 4
Rarely touched the ball in the opening period and when he did it left a lot to be desired. Passing accuracy was very low. Subbed off at half time. An inadequate performance.
Gustav Isaksen – 6
Went looking for a penalty but was barely clipped in the box. Full of running this afternoon as he tried to exploit defensive errors. Didn’t reappear for the second half. Probably tired himself out.
Taty Castellanos – 5.5
One or two small mistakes in the attacking phase. Otherwise he worked hard to press the defence. Unable to get the last move right himself so he created the chance that Vecino took. Couldn’t overcome the defence.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5
Denied the freedom he would’ve liked out wide. This made it difficult for him to create any breakthroughs of note. Not his best day.
Substitutes:
Matias Vecino – 7.5
Reputation continues to grow as the man who scores important goals. Nets the winner with composure again today.
Felipe Anderson – 6
Nice little header into Vecino’s path for an assist after not getting up to much for most of his appearence.