Lazio had another good test in their friendly with Hatayspor, picking up a 5-2 win in confident fashion.
Biancocelesti coach Maurizio Sarri did not shy away from using his stars in the friendly in Turkey, starting players like Ciro Immobile, Mattia Zaccagni and Pedro. Others like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Felipe Anderson and Luka Romero came off the bench, allowing them to get some minutes under their belts.
Matias Vecino put Lazio ahead after 34 minutes with an easy tap-in after a lay-off from Immobile, giving his side a 1-0 lead. The team’s smiles were quickly wiped away, however, as Ayoub El Kaabi netted the equaliser in a counter attack only a few minutes later following a slip from Nicolo Casale.
Lazio were awarded a penalty following a handball in the 38th minute and Immobile made no mistake from 12 yards out, restoring his team’s advantage. After a wonderful moment of passing play from Vecino and Luis Alberto, Pedro was through on goal and put Lazio 3-1 up, helping them score three goals in six minutes.
The second half started with another Hatayspor goal, this time thanks to Ze Luis, but Zaccagni ensured the Biancocelesti had a comfortable cushion in the 63rd minute with a confident penalty.
Luka Romero continued showing his potential when he found his goal 11 minutes later, showing positive signs ahead of the second half of the season and putting Lazio 5-2 up.
It was a strong and confident test for Lazio, who will be hoping to maintain their match fitness heading into January’s opener against Lecce.
