Lazio ended their campaign on a miserable note, as their defeat to Lecce dropped them to 7th place in the table, so they won’t take part in any European competition next season.
The Biancocelesti conceded a goal late in the first half courtesy of Lassana Coulibaly, but Santiago Pierotti was sent off minutes later, which was supposed to be the turning point of the match. Nevertheless, Marco Baroni’s men failed to break the Giallorossi’s resistance, as Wladimiro Falcone and his teammates bravely fought to maintain their spot in Serie A next season.
Needless to say, the vast majority of Lazio players received low grades in our player ratings:
Lazio XI (4-2-3-1)
Christos Mandas – 5.5
The Greek custodian didn’t have an awful lot to do during the contest. While he’s certainly not the main culprit behind Lecce’s winner, some might argue he should have stood his ground rather than rush off his line.
Adam Marusic – 5
The veteran right-back offered little on either end of the pitch, and it remains to be seen if his half-time exit was stemmed by a physical problem or simply a technical decision following an underwhelming 45 minutes.
Mario Gila – 5
The Brighton transfer target wasn’t terrible by any means, but he’ll be remembered for the blunder that led to the solitary goal. Tried to dribble his way out of his own area for no obvious reason.
Alessio Romagnoli – 4.5
The former Milan captain depicted Lazio’s mental collapse by foolishly getting himself sent off for elbowing an opponent in the back while on his way for an ill-advised showdown with the linesman.
Nuno Tavares – 5.5
The Portuguese left-back’s vicious run caused Pierotti’s red card, but his crosses almost never found the intended target.
Nicolo Rovella – 5.5
Sadly for the Italian, he lost steam at the most crucial part of the season, so he hasn’t been able to assume control over the middle of the park as he used to.
Matteo Guendouzi – 5
The Frenchman failed to block Coulibaly’s winner. Almost retaliated by scoring the equalizer with a low drive, but he was denied by a jaw-dropping save from Falcone.
Gustav Isaksen – 5
For the second weekend in a row, the Dane only lasted one half before making way for Pedro. Produced another disappointing outing, and was one of the culprits behind the goal.
Boulaye Dia – 4.5
The Senegalese attacker has been struggling to find himself a role in this system. Failed to offer proper support for Castellanos.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5
The Lazio captain sat out the Inter Milan clash due to a ban, but the forced rest hardly helped, as he still looked tired and out of sorts.
Taty Castellanos – 5.5
The Argentinian striker was the author of Lazio’s most dangerous chance in the first half, but couldn’t generate much power behind his header. Baschirotto hardly gave him a break.
Substitutes
Elseid Hysaj – 5
The Albanian was introduced as a replacement for Marusic, but his performance was largely similar to his teammate.
Pedro – 6.5
The veteran was once again the best Lazio player by a large margin, but this time, he lacked the final touch.
Luca Pellegrini – N/A
Matias Vecino – N/A
Tijjani Noslin – N/A
Frustrated to see the result but I think Lotito deserves this bad end. He loves to gamble on unknown players and bargain players. Gamblers should always lose finally, I hope he can sell the club to sb who is willing to spend to bring quality to the club.
Agreed my friend. Lottito is a business man so his actions are just that. Lazio is just like another share for him. I think sometimes its best to not be a passionate fan cause the ownership doesn’t share the same passion, optimism and commitment.