Despite having a point to prove, there was almost nothing positive for Lazio as they handed Udinese a lifeline in an embarrassing 2-1 loss. The Biancocelesti are in a state of flux in recent weeks, having picked up just two wins in their prior six Serie A matches heading into their clash with Gabriele Cioffi’s side; despite this, you can still make sports bets online for their upcoming clashes.
It was another sobering night for Maurizio Sarri and his squad as they lined up at the Stadio Olimpico to face relegation candidates Udinese on Monday evening. The Friulian outfit had managed just three wins in 27 league matches ahead of their trip to the Stadio Olimpico.
Disappointing Form Persists
Lazio started the match against Udinese on the front foot and quickly took control of proceedings, instantly piling the pressure on the visitors in front of an eager crowd. Mattia Zaccagni hit the post with a searching shot early, suggesting a confident evening for the home side.
Unfortunately for Sarri’s side, their toothlessness in the final third continued to plague them in the first half, limiting their chances to off-target attempts, with the team unable to break down a fairly poor Udinese defence.
After the first half, things were looking tough for Lazio, who were led by assistant coach Giovanni Martusciello due to Sarri’s suspension. It was clear that things needed to change fast in the second half if the team were to get a positive result.
Early Pressure Fizzles Out
The start of the second half was utter chaos; just moments after kick-off, a sloppy start from the Biancocelesti allowed Udinese to break forward. Hassane Kamara had enough space to drill a low ball into the six-yard box, where a lunging Lorenzo Lucca managed to poke it past Ivan Provedel, giving the visitors an unexpected 1-0 lead.
It was a wake-up call for Lazio, who in turn responded from kick-off. Mattia Zaccagni darted down the wing and slipped into the box, where he tried to blast a cross to the centre of the penalty area; his ball collided with Lautaro Giannetti and sailed into the back of the net, drawing the home side level.
Second Half Chaos & Missed Opportunities
The Biancocelesti didn’t have time to enjoy their goal, however. Udinese ventured forward again just moments later, and poor defensive organization allowed Florian Thauvin to pass to a waiting Oier Zarraga, who had the time to carefully place his shot in the bottom corner, beating Provedel to restore Udinese’s advantage.
Lazio were left speechless, and the rest of the second half saw them desperately push forward to try and respond, unable to find a way past Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye, who put in a hero’s performance to protect the Bianconeri’s lead.
Udinese Holds On for Unlikely Victory
Their efforts were ultimately in vain, infuriating the fans in the Stadio Olimpico as the full-time whistle blew. The Lazio squad were booed off the pitch as they failed to win yet again, leaving them in a miserable spot with 10 games left to play.
