Lazio looked calm and collected as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win away to Spezia, putting them one step closer to the Champions League.
The Biancocelesti have been in a run of strong form in recent weeks, looking defensively solid and focused as they fight to finish in the top four and secure Champions League qualification.
For Spezia, things have looked far more difficult in 2023 and Leonardo Semplici’s side need every point possible as they look to distance themselves from the relegation zone, sitting just four points ahead of Hellas Verona.
Spezia started the match at the Stadio Alberto Picco on the front foot and even hit the crossbar in the first few minutes, but Lazio soon settled into the match and their efforts going forward were finally rewarded just after the hour half mark.
In the 36th minute, Ethan Ampadu brought down Felipe Anderson in the penalty area, leading Massimiliano Irrati to point to the penalty spot, a decision that VAR did not overturn.
Ciro Immobile stepped up and had no trouble dispatching the spot kick, putting Lazio 1-0 up.
The home side tried to push for an equaliser in the remaining minutes of the first half but were unable to break down the Biancocelesti defence, leaving them 1-0 down heading into the second 45 minutes.
Lazio looked more confident in the early stages of the second half and doubled their advantage with a fast and complicated attacking move in the 52nd minute, which was finished off by Felipe Anderson, giving them a two goal lead.
Again Spezia tried to respond but Sarri’s side were now in a comfortable spot and did not hurry themselves as they saw out the match, carefully retaining energy.
Ampadu was shown a second yellow card in the 84th minute and things went from bad to worse for Spezia a few minutes later when Marcos Antonio scored Lazio’s third after a beautiful run down the Aquilotti half, closing out the victory for Sarri’s side.
The win puts Lazio on 61 points, 13 behind league leaders Napoli and eight ahead of Roma, who’ll host Udinese on Sunday evening.