The Italian newspapers crowned Lazio veteran Pedro as the Man of the Match after coming off the bench to score a fabulous winner against Empoli.
The 37-year-old was coming off a brilliant Europa League outing against OGC Nice, but this time, he did the damage as a super-sub. Therefore, the winger was named the MVP by the Lega Serie A after the final whistle, and the Italian media agreed with the choice, handing him the highest grades (7.5/10).
For his part, club captain Mattia Zaccagni also earned one 7.5/10 note, as well as a couple of 7/10 after scoring the equalizer that kickstarted the comeback. Nuno Tavares provided the assist once more, so he earned 7/10 ratings, similar to Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi who were superb in the middle of the park.
Pedro the MOTM for Lazio Against Empoli
On the contrary, Taty Castellanos was wasteful in front of goal, also failing to convert from the spot. Hence, the Argentine earned relatively low grades (5.5/10), and the same goes for Alessio Romagnoli who was beaten in the air by Sebastiano Esposito on the opener. Ivan Provedel was also hesitant on this occasion, so he had the lowest marks among Lazio players (around 5/10).
So here are the player ratings for the Lazio players as handed by some of the most prominent Italian news outlets (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).
Il Corriere dello Sport – Provedel 5.5; Lazzari 6 (Marusic 6); Gila 7; Romanoli 5.5; Nuno Tavares 7 (Pellegrini N/A); Rovella 7; Guendouzi 7; Isaksen 5.5 (Pedro 7.5); Dia 6 (Castrovilli N/A); Zaccagni 7.5 (Noslin N/A); Castellanos 5.5; Baroni 7
La Gazzetta dello Sport – Provedel 5; Lazzari 6 (Marusic 6); Gila 6; Romanoli 5.5; Nuno Tavares 6.5 (Pellegrini 6); Rovella 7; Guendouzi 7; Isaksen 6.5 (Pedro 7.5); Dia 6 (Castrovilli 6); Zaccagni 7 (Noslin 6); Castellanos 5.5; Baroni 6.5
Il Messaggero – Provedel 5; Lazzari 6 (Marusic 6.5); Gila 7; Romanoli 5.5; Nuno Tavares 7 ( Pellegrini N/A); Rovella 7; Guendouzi 7; Isaksen 6 (Pedro 7.5); Dia 6 (Castrovilli N/A); Zaccagni 7 (Noslin N/A); Castellanos 5.5; Baroni 7.5
So if provedel has deemed in form, why still keep him in the pools to be conceding every week where mandas can be given a chance to prove his worth?
Mandas is going to get his chance. They’ll be playing weekend and mid-week matches most of the season, he’ll get more opportunities.
Provedel has been one of the best Serie A ‘keepers for the past two years, they’re not going to replace him with some kid just because he allowed one bad goal.
It’s not Provedel’s fault the pitch is in such a bad condition, poor guy tripped
So if provedel has deemed in form, why still keep him in the polls to be conceding every week where mandas can be given a chance to prove his worth?