Lazio cruised to a 3-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico versus Salernitana.
Ciro Immobile, Pedro and Luis Alberto each scored for the Biancocelesti in what was the club’s most convincing win under Maurizio Sarri this season. They controlled the tempo and pace for the majority of the match, held a greater advantage in possession (61%-39%), and held the Granata to zero shots on target.
With this victory, Lazio moved up into fifth place and currently trail fourth-place Atalanta by just one point.
So, who were the winners and losers from Lazio vs Salernitana?
Winner: Luis Alberto
Lazio went into ritiro after their 4-1 loss to Hellas Verona and this has significantly helped their marquee players. Luis Alberto has been one of those players who has benefited as his performances have improved and he has started to look more comfortable under Sarri.
The Spaniard was influential and impactful in the midfield as he made key passes, pressed Salernitana’s backend and created quality scoring chances. One area of his game that has significantly improved has been his defending, as he has tracked back on countless occasions to assist the backend. He even made a vital interception which broke up a chance and put Lazio on the attack on one occasion.
While his defending has improved, he continues to be a threat up-front as he scored a brilliant goal for Lazio. Felipe Anderson delivered an accurate pass towards the right side which Luis Alberto controlled with great composure and finished brilliantly as he nutmegged the defender to score past Salernitana goalkeeper Vid Belec.
Luis Alberto finished the match with one goal, one key pass, two successful dribbles and won four fouls.
Winner: Pedro
Pedro has been a terrific signing for Lazio as he continues to step up for the club. He has scored in three straight Serie A matches and has been in great form in recent times.
The forward delivered the assurance goal minutes after Immobile scored the opener which allowed Lazio to play more freely with a 2-0 lead. He pounced on an error by Norbert Gyomber, who failed to receive a pass back by Nadir Zortea. Pedro showed good awareness as he capitalized and dispossessed the defender, was all alone in the box and made no mistake sending his shot past Belec.
Pedro arrived this past summer on a free transfer and has been one of their best signings this season. He has settled in well where he’s offered pace, depth, experience and has been a game-changer. His previous experience under Sarri at Chelsea has benefitted the forward as he’s been one of their most influential players.
Pedro finished the match with one goal, one assist, four key passes, three successful dribbles and four successful long balls.
Winner: Ciro Immobile
For a sixth straight season, Immobile has scored double-digit goals in Serie A for Lazio. He has been outstanding in his first season as captain and has delivered consistent performances which have helped earn vital points.
Just after the half-hour mark, Immobile scored a header off a redirection from Pedro which led to the game-winner for Lazio. As a result, he now has ten goals this season and continues to produce at an impressive rate. He has scored in three straight matches across all competitions and has been their lead man once again.
The Italian was a constant threat throughout the match where he showed good intensity, created chances, and forced Salernitana to produce errors. Pedro’s goal started from Immobile, as the striker forced Zortea to make a pass to Gyomber, which resulted in a turnover.
Immobile has been vocal and led by example on countless occasions. At 31 years old, Immobile has shown little signs of slowing down and continues to score for Lazio.
Loser: Norbert Gyomber
A costly error by Gyomber made it difficult for Salernitana to mount a comeback versus Lazio. He failed to receive a pass back to him from Zortea which resulted in Pedro scoring his fourth goal this season. Pedro extended Lazio’s led to 2-0 and the home side cruised comfortably for the rest of the match. If this mistake had been nullified, the course of the match would have been different and would have left the Biancocelesti in a different situation.
Loser: Franck Ribery
It was a dull performance from Salernitana captain Franck Ribery, as he struggled to get involved and generate chances against Lazio. Aside from being denied by the woodwork, he was limited to one shot and was dispossessed three times. Ribery struggled in defense as well where he conceded three fouls and put Lazio in a prime situation to score.
