Lazio 4-0 Genoa: Post-Match Review

Lazio vs Genoa: Post-Match Review

After a rough week for Lazio, due to a bittersweet loss to Inter and disciplinary issues from Ciro Immobile, the Biancocelesti faced off against Genoa. The Rossoblu defeated Lazio the last time the two sides met – thanks to a last-minute goal from Domenico Criscito – however, this time it was different.

The first half started off very well as seven minutes in, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored a wonderful goal passed Genoa goalkeeper Ionut Radu, with Immobile providing the assist. This took Lazio off to a great start. However Genoa came back hungry for an equalizer. A corner for Genoa saw a lovely heading opportunity by Cristian Romero saved with one hand by Thomas Strakosha, stunning Romero and everyone at the Stadio Olimpico.

Thomas Strakosha

As the first half was coming to a close, Lazio pounced on another opportunity as Immobile was given a through ball into space. Immobile ran with the ball eventually playing it across the face of goal giving his Spanish teammate Luis Alberto an easy tap in to make it 2-0 for the Biancocelesti. However, celebrations did not last long as protests from the Genoa players lead to match official Luca Pairetto checking VAR. Upon further review it seems as the though before Immobile had received the through ball, Lazio had gotten possession of the ball through a turn over caused by a foul committed by Milinkovic-Savic. The official must have not seen this foul at first glance but VAR came to Genoa’s rescue as Lazio’s second goal was disallowed. However, this did not save Genoa for too long because minutes later, Stefan Radu received the ball and in one swift motion, struck the ball cleanly as it flew into the top right corner. Lazio ended the first half with a comfortable 2-0 lead over the visitors.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Less than fifteen minutes into the second half Simone Inzaghi’s men struck again as Milinkovic-Savic played a perfect ball into the path of Felipe Caicedo who slotted it past the keeper to make it 3-0 for the home side. Lazio were running away with the game at this point. The cherry on top came just before the 80th minute with Luiz Felipe playing the ball to Immobile who slotted it past the goalkeeper to make it 4-0 for Lazio. Fans were delighted and so was the Italian striker as he quickly ran all the way to the bench to embrace Simone Inzaghi, breaking the tension between the two that had been built up since last Sunday (when Immobile got very frustrated after he was subbed off against Parma).

In the end, not only did Lazio pick up all three points from this game but also a very big boost in morale for all the players as they get ready to face French side Rennes in the second round of the UEFA Europa League this Thursday.

Lazio vs Genoa: Statistical Analysis

There were some dominant performances across the park today for Lazio. The club focus a lot of their play down their left hand side. Lucas Leiva and Luis Alberto both put in commanding performances on the ball, ensuring that the build up play was fluid and crisp.

The Spaniard showed his ability to go past players today completing 4 from 4 take-ons. Luis Alberto in my opinion is one of Lazio’s key players and his performances over the last few weeks will have quite a few Liverpool fans scratching their heads wondering why he didn’t reach his potential playing in the Premier League.

Finally I would like to pick out Francesco Acerbi for his passing display. The Italian defender completed 99% of his passes against Genoa. Majority of these were positive in terms of direction. With displays like this he really shows how integral he is to Lazio.

Lazio vs Genoa: Man of the Match

The ‘Man of the Match’ for me goes to Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian put in a commanding performance seeing him claim a goal and an assist. He played 3 key passes throughout the match and his work ethic on the pitch was one which made his fellow teammates take note and follow suit.

Tags Biancocelesti Ciro Immobile Cristian Romero Domenico Criscito Felipe Caicedo Genoa Inter Milan Ionut Radu Lazio Luca Pairetto Luis Alberto Luiz Felipe Parma Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Serie A Simone Inzaghi Stade Rennes Stadio Olimpico Stefan Radu Thomas Strakosha