Lazio were almost forced to share the points with Sampdoria after a toothless performance until Luis Alberto found a breakthrough.
The Biancocelesti needed a win to maintain momentum in the race for a top four finish and managed to secure all three points after a long clash with the Blucerchiati, which again showed the team’s limits in the opposition’s final third.
Maurizio Sarri fielded a strong Lazio starting lineup, with the only difference from usual being Patric’s inclusion for the injured Alessio Romagnoli. Sampdoria had to deal with a slight injury crisis and couldn’t count on Koray Gunter, Jeison Murillo, Ignacio Pussetto, Filip Djuricic and Andrea Conti.
It was a frustrating first half at the Stadio Olimpico for Lazio, who were dominant in possession, producing an expected goals of 0.87 to Sampdoria’s 0.14. Despite their endless forays into the final third, Sarri’s side struggled to find the right shot and allowed the visitors to end the half time break level, something that could ultimately prove costly against a more dangerous opponent.
The second half saw the Blucerchiati venture out more and produce a number of chances, but none were too troubling for Ivan Provedel, who continued to be a defensive certainty for the Biancocelesti.
After another aggravating half that saw Lazio waste a number of good opportunities, Luis Alberto finally found the breakthrough in the 80th minute with a blasted effort from outside the penalty area, which beautifully nestled into the top corner of Emil Audero’s net, putting the home side 1-0 up.
Lazio held focus and closed out the victory, picking up another three points despite their struggles in front of the Sampdoria goal.
