At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Lazio maintained their perfect Europa League record by beating Nice by four goals to one on a soaking pitch. Despite the heavy downpour, the Biancocelesti fans showed up in great numbers to warm up Marco Baroni’s men who responded with another convincing display in Europe.
It all began with Pedro’s brilliant opener in the 20th minute. The veteran Spaniard cut from the right and had a sea of players in front of him, but still found the far corner with a fabulous curler. The former Barcelona star then put on the creator’s hat, providing the assist for Taty Castellanos who rounded off an impressive series of passes with a clever chip to double Lazio’s lead.
Nice pulled one back through Jeremie Boga before half-time, pouncing on some lack of concentration at the back. Nevertheless, Castellanos returned after the interval to complete a wonderful brace. Nicolo Rovella picked up the striker’s run with an exquisite through ball, and the latter rounded his marker before finding the top corner.
The Argentine then won a spot-kick that was successfully converted by Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni who entered the pitch in the second half. So despite the heavy rotation, Lotito maintained their brilliant Europa League form, and they currently top the 36-club table after the first two matchdays.
Lazio 4-1 Nice
Goals: 20′ Pedro (L), 35′, 53′ Castellanos (L), 41′ Boga (N), 66′ Zaccagni (L)
LAZIO (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic (78′ Lazzari), Patric, Gila (68′ Romagnoli), Pellegrini; Vecino (63′ Dia), Guendouzi; Tchaouna (46′ Zaccagni), Dele-Bashiru (46′ Rovella), Pedro; Castellanos.
NICE (3-4-2-1): Bulka; Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Dante; Clauss (67′ Abdi), Rosario (76′ Diop), Boudaoui (68′ Ndombélé), Louchet; Bouanani (67′ Cho), Boga (67′ Guessand); Moukoko.
Referee: Fesnic
Yellow cards: Bombito (N), Zaccagni (L), Bulka N), Pellegrini (L)
I would say it was a nice evening against Nice, despite the rain. Good game, excellent rotation method. Baroni deserves all the credits.