A Mattia Zaccagni penalty proved the difference maker in an incredibly tense Coppa Italia quarter-final clash between Lazio and Roma.
The Biancocelesti qualified for the final eight stage of the competition after a rudimentary 1-0 win over Genoa in the Round of 16, whilst the Giallorossi left it late to steal a 2-1 win over Cremonese in their first outing in the competition.
Maurizio Sarri had to contend with a few absences heading into the match, being without star striker Ciro Immobile and reliable goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, whilst Jose Mourinho couldn’t count on Chris Smalling, Houssem Aouar, Tammy Abraham, Renato Sanches and Diego Llorente.
The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was overwhelming in the first half of the Coppa Italia clash between Lazio and Roma, with both sides struggling to generate decisive chances amidst the tensions.
In the second half, Lazio came close with a Matias Vecino header in the 48th minute before Valentin Castellanos was brought down by Dean Huijsen moments later. After a quick VAR check, the penalty kick was confirmed.
Zaccagni stepped up to the 12-yard spot and confidently dispatched his strike, putting the Biancocelesti 1-0 up before the hour mark.
Sarri’s side continued to push for a second as the match progressed but were unable to extend their advantage, keeping the Giallorossi in the match.
In the 96th minute, Pedro was shown a second yellow card after being involved in a heated scrap with Gianluca Mancini. Minutes later, Giallorossi pair Sardar Azmoun and Mancini were both sent off as tensions boiled over.
Lazio held onto their slim advantage and secured a 1-0 victory over Roma, qualifying them for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus in April.
