Lazio bagged three points with a comprehensive victory over Genoa in Rome. Maurizio Sarri’s team entered the match without star-striker Ciro Immobile but put in a dominant performance to beat the Grifone.
The Biancocelesti started the match brilliantly and eventually opened the scoring through Pedro. Their second goal was scored by Francesco Acerbi who headed in from substitute Luis Alberto’s corner. The Spaniard also provided the assist for Lazio’s third goal, which was scored by Mattia Zaccagni. Genoa did manage to pull one back through Filippo Meligone.
With the win, Lazio are now eighth in the Sere A table but could go down to ninth if Empoli beat Spezia.
Milinkovic-Savic returns, Immobile out
Sarri made just two changes to the team that lost to Sassuolo with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro making way for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic who returned from suspension. Felipe Anderson replaced Ciro Immobile who missed the match due to a stomach bug.
Andriy Shevchenko made plenty of changes to the side that defeated Salernitana in the Coppa Italia with only five players being the common factor in both XIs.
Pedro Puts Lazio Ahead
The Biancocelesti started the match well with Pedro taking a shot on goal after just seven minutes, only for Salvatore Sirigu to save it. Lazio had full control of the game and created some chances but were unable to make the most out of them. Genoa were on the backfoot and their defenders were constantly troubled. The Rossoblu managed to launch an attack with Luiz Felipe needing to clear away the danger.
Lazio eventually opened the scoring in the 37th minute after Anderson’s pass found Pedro, who shot in the back of the net with the easiest of finishes.
Acerbi and Zaccagni strike, Melegoni finds consolation
Genoa made a couple of changes at half-time but it didn’t help their cause. However, Shevchenko’s side did manage their first shot on target. Lazio continued to put pressure on the visitors’ defense.
Sarri made a number of changes for the Biancocelesti just after the hour-mark with Alberto coming on, among others. The Spaniard’s presence on the field brought in a lot more creativity for the hosts and they made the most out of it.
He provided the assist for Lazio’s second goal, which was headed in by Acerbi. A few minutes later, the Biancocelesti tripled their lead after Alberto’s through ball found Zaccagni who found the net with a composed finish. The 26-year-old had a good chance to score a fourth but was unable to find the target.
Genoa found a consolation goal during the final few minutes thanks to a brilliant shot from Melegoni. Lazio made another attempt to score a fourth, this time through Vedat Muriqi. However, the Kosovo international’s shot was a bit over the bar. Nonetheless, the Biancocelesti did enough to preserve their lead and grab all three points.
What Next for Lazio and Genoa
Genoa’s next match is at home against Atalanta on Tuesday while Lazio travel to Venice to face Venezia on Wednesday.
MATCH SCORECARD
December 17, 2021 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 18
LAZIO – GENOA: 3-1
SCORERS: 36′ Pedro (L), 75′ Acerbi (L), 82′ Zaccagni (L), Melegoni (G)
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LAZIO (4-3-3): Strakosha, Hysaj (63′ Radu), Felipe (84′ Patric), Acerbi, Marusic, Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi (74′ Lucas), Basic (63′ Alberto), Anderson (84′ Muriqi), Pedro, Zaccagni Coach: Sarri |
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GENOA (3-5-2): Sirigu, Vanheusden (46′ Biraschi), Vasquez, Criscito, Ghiglione (60′ Sabelli), Sturaro (46′ Hernani), Badelj, Portanova (82′ Melegoni), Cambiaso, Pandev (60′ Ekuban), Destro Coach: Shevchenko |
REFEREE: Mr. Pairetto
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Ghiglione (G), Vasquez (G), Portanova (G),; Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 3′