Lazio’s well-managed 3-1 win over Sampdoria yesterday sees the team finally return to winning ways.
Coach Maurizio Sarri’s side had a dominant first half in Liguria, finding three goals before half time thanks to Ciro Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The second half was a little more tense for the Roman side, but the three points were still ultimately secured.
Below are the two starting lineups in Lazio’s 3-1 win over Sampdoria:
- Sampdoria (4-4-2): Emil Audero, Bartosz Bereszynski, Alex Ferrari, Julian Chabot, Tommaso Aguello; Antonio Candreva, Morten Thorsby, Albin Ekdal, Valerio Verre; Manolo Gabbiadini, Fabio Quagliarella.
- Lazio (4-3-3): Thomas Strakosha, Adam Marusic, Luiz Felipe, Francesco Acerbi, Elseid Hysaj; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Danilo Cataldi, Toma Basic; Mattia Zaccagni, Ciro Immobile, Pedro.
Sampdoria set the initial tempo of the match but Lazio took the lead first, with Milinkovic-Savic finding the near post after a nice assist from Zaccagni after only seven minutes to make it 1-0.
The Biancocelesti kept up their momentum and doubled their advantage in the 17th minute, with Immobile finishing a counter attack to make it 2-0.
The Roman club confidently managed the match, retaining possession and almost finding a third, with Audero denying Immobile’s header.
Lazio put themselves 3-0 up after 37 minutes, Immobile finding his brace after a wonderful through ball from Milinkovic-Savic.
Lazio went into the break with a comfortable and well-earned lead, an important response after the recent disappointing performances.
At half time Sarri decided to switch out Immobile for Vedat Muriqi as the Italian striker seemingly suffering a minor injury.
Sampdoria came out with a point to prove in the second half and were in the driving seat for the early stages after the break, with Strakosha making a variety of strong saves.
In the 63rd minute Sarri made two more changes, switching out Pedro and Danilo Cataldi for Felipe Anderson and Lucas Leiva.
Only a few minutes later, Milinkovic-Savic was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. He was booked for a foul on Augello and then was shown the second yellow after his protests.
In the 78th minute Sarri made his final change, changing Zaccagni for Manuel Lazzari.
Sampdoria kept up the attacks but Lazio held strong, until the 88th minute; Gabbiadini managed to beat Strakosha after a nice turn in the box, dragging one back and making it 3-1.
The Ligurian side had a few more chances in the dying minutes of the match but Lazio held strong, maintaining their two goal lead and securing the three points in Genoa.
