Lazio’s four-match winning streak came to an end in a cruel fashion at the hands of Juventus in an eventful evening in Turin that included an early red card and a late own-goal.
The first half started on a slow note with neither side creating dangerous opportunities, but the main highlight ensued in the 23rd minute when a swift counter-attack from the Bianconeri put the surging Pierre Kalulu clear on the goal. This run prompted a desperate sliding tackle from Alessio Romagnoli who marginally caught the Frenchman’s foot, but it was still enough to earn him his marching orders following a VAR review.
Juventus were also awarded a freekick from close range, but Dusan Vlahovic’s effort went just over the woodwork. The Bianconeri then seized possession, but still couldn’t forge too many chances in the first half. Federico Gatti was guilty of squandering the most dangerous goal-scoring opportunity as he couldn’t connect well with Andrea Cambiaso’s sublime cross.
In the second period, the Bianconeri increased the pressure on Marco Baroni’s men, who nevertheless held their ground. Vlahovic came extremely close with a close-range effort but was thwarted by the woodwork, while Douglas Luiz couldn’t hit the frame of the goal with an inviting header.
However, an unfortunate own-goal from Mario Gila ended the resistance. Juan Cabal tried to pick up Luiz with a square ball towards the mouth of the goal. And while Provedel was prepared to deal with it, the Spanish defender attempted to block it, but his slight touch was enough to see the ball evade the goalkeeper.
Therefore, Lazio suffered their third defeat in the Serie A campaign, but their courageous display away from home can be deemed a positive takeaway.
Juventus 1-0 Lazio
Goalscorer: 85′ Gila (own-goal).
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Gatti, Kalulu, Cabal; Locatelli, Thuram; Cambiaso (C), Douglas Luiz, Yildiz; Vlahovic. Coach: Motta.
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni (C); Castellanos. Coach: Baroni.
Red Card: 22′ Romagnoli (L).
