Three Takeaways From Lazio’s Defeat to Inter

In the hopes of bouncing back following two consecutive win-less matches across all competitions, Lazio failed to deliver as they were out-classed in a 2-0 defeat to Inter at the Stadio Olimpico.

Coach Simone Inzaghi’s side capitalized on a fatal error as full-back Adam Maurisic gifted Lautaro Martinez the ball in his defensive half, allowing the Argentine to break the deadlock before the end of the first half.

Coach Maurizio Sarri’s side could not respond to Inter’s opening goal, resulting in Frenchman Marcus Thuram putting the nail in the coffin with an impressive finish courtesy of a fierce counter-attack orchestrated by Nicolo Barella.

As a result, Lazio now find themselves in 11th place alongside Monza with a total of 21 points, only winning a single match out of their last five outings in the Serie A.

Daichi Kamada Must Be Involved More Regularly in Sarri’s Squad

While plenty of question marks were raised regarding Sarri’s decision to start Daichi Kamada in the three-midfield, after having not given the Japanese international regular playing time since his arrival on a free transfer from Frankfurt, the 26-year-old maximized his opportunity with a superb display.

Kamada caused Inter’s midfield havoc with his exquisite technique on the ball and line-cutting passes on the counter. The Japanese international showed no signs of a lack of playing time as he fit seamlessly on the pitch, showcasing his ability to be a vital asset in the middle of the park.

Consequently, his impressive cameo this evening could have potentially served as the turning point for his career at Lazio and earned Sarri’s trust, as he demonstrated that he must feature in a more predominant role at the capital club.

A New-Full Back Should Be at the Top of Lazio’s Wish List in January

The Nerazzurri exploited the right-hand flank this evening going forward, ultimately proving that left-back Adam Maurisic is below par of a team that aspires to finish in the Serie A’s top four.

The 31-year-old struggled heavily to cope with Matteo Darmian as he barely recuperated the ball when going up against the Italian international.

Furthermore, the Biancocelesti had a near-perfect performance heading into the first half, until the Serbian made a careless and sloppy pass back to the keeper, which was intercepted by  Martinez.

The Argentine received the all whilst being all alone on the break and dribbled around Ivan Provedel with a great deal of composure to seize the opener and shift momentum into the Beneamata’s favour.

Consequently, a new full-back is required in the winter transfer window to bolster the defensive department in the hopes of turning this disappointing season around.

A Lack of Finishing & Ruthlessness in the Final Third

Despite Lazio having a very promising start in the first half with their superb finesse and speed on the counter through the middle, as well as their aggressive high press that smothered Inter, the Biancocelesti were not ruthless enough in the final third to rattle the Nerazzurri back-line consistently.

On the two occasions in which the back-line was breached, Ciro Immobile’s header was above the target and Nicolo Rovella was unable to bury the ball from close range after a brilliant piece of individual skill.

Inevitably, the absence of tenacity in the final third was perhaps the biggest downfall as Lazio had Inter on the back foot for a lengthy period. Still, the Nerazzurri soaked up the pressure and managed to fire back finely with two goals without any response.