Lazio ended their San Siro with a dramatic 2-1 victory over AC Milan, but they had to overcome a frenetic finale.
Lazio Starting Lineup
Marco Baroni entrusted Loum Tchaouna with the striker role once more, supported by Gustav Isaksen, Boulaye Dia and Mattia Zaccagni, while Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella operated in the middle of the park. Ivan Provedel returned to goal with Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Samuel Gigot and Nuno Tavares in front of him.
Lazio Launch Early Onslaught
The Biancocelesti had the upper hand from the get-go, but Dia failed to beat Mike Maignan in a one-on-one chance. The French goalkeeper also thwarted a dangerous square ball from Tavares, while Isaksen threatened with long-range shots, something we’re becoming increasingly accustomed to.
Mattia Zaccagni Breaks the Deadlock
Lazio’s relentless onslaught was finally rewarded in the 28th minute. Marusic retrieved the ball and played a give-and-go with Tchaouna down the right flank before aiming for goal. The right-back’s shot was parried away by Maignan, but Zaccagni reacted first, sliding to the ground to score on the rebound.
Improved Milan in Second Half
The struggling Milan showed more determination in the second half. Rafael Leao was behind the danger more often than not, but Santiago Gimenez wasted a few inviting chances to score. In the meantime, Lazio kept harrying the Rossoneri on the counter-attacks, with Zaccagni coming extremely close to completing a brace, but his curler whistled past the post.
Strahinja Pavalovic Sent Off
In the 67th minute, Strahinja Pavlovic brought down Isaksen while deemed to be the last defender, so the referee gave him his marching orders. But despite their numerical advantage, Lazio couldn’t put the match to bed.
Stunning Milan Equalizer
Astonishingly, it was Milan who scored the equalizer against the run of play in the 84th minute. Leao picked up the unmarked Samuel Chuckwueze at the back post, and the Nigerian’s header proved too high and strong for Provedel.
Pedro Settles Frenetic Affair
This unexpected equalizer set up a chaotic finale with end-to-end action. In the final minute of added-time, Maignan slid to block Isaksen’s attempt, but tripped the Dane with his body. While the match official didn’t blow his whistle, he was summoned by the VAR for an on-field review which resulted in a spot-kick converted by Pedro.
This invaluable winner allowed Lazio to temporarily climb back to fourth place while awaiting Monday’s contest between Juventus and Hellas Verona.
Milan 1-2 Lazio
Goalscorers : 28` Zaccagni (L), 85` Chukwueze (M), 90`+7` pen. Pedro (L)
MILAN (4-2-3-1) : Maignan; Jimenez (46` Walker), Gabbia (83` Jovic), Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana (70` Thiaw), Reijnders; Musah (37` Joao Felix), Pulisic (70` Chukwueze), Leao; Gimenez.
Lazio (4-2-3-1) : Provedel; Marusic (46` Lazzari), Gigot (79` Patric), Gila, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia (88` Noslin), Zaccagni (79` Pedro); Tchaouna (58` Vecino).
Yellow cards : 76` Gimenez (M), 80` Leao (M), 92′ Vecino (L).
Sent off : 67 Pavlovic (M)
Good game by Lazio. We were lucky that Milan is in a even worse form than we are. Nevertheless we fully deserved the victory when looking at the game. I am starting to lose my patience with Loum. It seems that he cannot do anything right.