Lazio faced a heavy setback as the Biancocelesti were forced to share the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate against Verona at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
A delicate but deadly back-heel flick from former Verona winger Mattia Zaccagni, courtesy of a sublime center from Felipe Anderson, broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute of play.
However, the Gialloblu demonstrated perseverance with a late response in the 70th minute as substitute Thomas Henry tucked the ball from point-blank range to seal the equalizer.
Following Nicolo Casale’s disallowed goal in the latter stages of the game due to having shoved his marker out of the way to bury the header past Lorenzo Montipo, Sarri’s side were left with no choice but to settle for a point as they failed to capitalize on having a one-man advantage following the send off of Ondre Duda after having received a second yellow.
The Biancocelesti currently find themselves in 10th place with 21 points, four points adrift from cross-city rivals Roma who currently sit fourth.
Verona’s Past Comes Back to Haunt the Gialloblu
Former Verona attacker Zaccagni rose to the occasion this evening as he dominated on the left-hand flank, taking on defenders with full confidence in one-on-one scenarios and combining well through the middle from out wide.
Despite undergoing a sluggish run of form compared to last season’s campaign, the 28-year-old Italian international snapped his goal drought as he found the back of the net with a delightful flick of the back heel, finishing off an eye-catching counter-attacking play that echoes Sarri-ball.
The breakthrough was initiated by an inverted run by full-back Manuel Lazzari, allowing Felipe Anderson to have space out-wide to be found in between the lines and to be able to deliver a low-driven cross on a silver platter for Zaccagni.
Nicolo Rovella Is the Missing Piece of the Jixelz Puzzle in Sarri’s Three-Man Midfield
The Juventus loanee fit seamlessly as the holding midfielder in coach Maurizio Sarri’s three-midfield, potentially claiming to overtake Danilo Cataldi in the Biancocelesti’s starting eleven.
Nicolo Rovella’s work rate was impeccable, as he continuously tracked back defensively to break up Verona’s plays on the counter. His great anticipation and timing enabled Matteo Guendouzi and Luis Alberto to have freedom in the middle of the park and move vertically with the attack.
The 22-year-old’s fine passing accuracy and marvellous technical ability provided Lazio with security and enabled Sarri’s team to move with great patience and fluidity when in transition.
Ciro Immobile Fails to Hit the Mark
The skipper had an off cameo this evening on the road as he failed to make it stick on numerous occasions with a heavy first touch whilst Lazio attempted to move swiftly on the counter.
The 35-year-old had two significant opportunities in the second half to put the nail in the coffin within the fixture and double Lazio’s advantage. However, the clinical goal-scorer could not find the back of the net in positions where he is expected to score.
In the end, Verona seized the opportunity to obtain the equalizer following a slight howler from custodian Ivan Provedel, allowing Henry to score from point-blank range.
