In Matchday 23 of the 2020/21 Serie A, Lazio hosted Sampdoria at the Stadio Olimpico.
As the Biancocelesti were undefeated against the Blucerchiati in their previous 14 home games in Serie A (W11 D3) coming into this match, Simone Inzaghi’s men were expected to come away with all three points, despite losing the first leg earlier in the season 3-0.
This was the outcome, as Lazio came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a Luis Alberto strike.
Lazio vs Sampdoria: 1-0
Inzaghi deployed his best possible starting eleven against Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdoria. Considering the absences of Stefan Radu (injury), Luiz Felipe (injury) and Manuel Lazzari (suspension), there were three changes made to the ‘regular’ lineup, with Mateo Musacchio, Patric and Senad Lulic replacing them from the first minute.
Lazio scored the only goal in this fixture just after the 20th minute. On the counter, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic found Luis Alberto in space who took two touches before placing the ball into the top right corner past Emil Audero in goal. Not only was this Luis Alberto’s seventh goal, it was also Milinkovic-Savic’s seventh assist of the season.
It is important to note that Lazio prevented a strong Sampdoria attack from getting a shot on goal. This was very impressive, considering that they had an unfamiliar backline. They picked up their seventh clean sheet of the season as a result.
As a result of this victory, Lazio returned to winning ways in Serie A. They will now begin to prepare for their Round of 16 fixture against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
