Lazio registered their first points of the season as they made short work of their visitors, Hellas Verona, in their first home fixture of the season, ending an eight-month winless streak at the Olimpico in the process.
Lazio Starting Lineup
Maurizio Sarri kept the bulk of the starting lineup from the defeat to Como, with the only two additions being Nicolo Rovella and Adam Marusic who replaced Danilo Cataldi and Manuel Lazzari.
The 4-3-3 formation was once again led by Taty Castellanos, with Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Cancellieri on the flanks. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Matteo Guendouzi were the box-to-box midfielders.
Matteo Guendouzi Breaks the Deadlock
Lazio entered the contest with a different attitude compared to last weekend’s outing, and it only took them three minutes to open the scoring. Rovella picked up Castellanos inside the box with a delicate long ball. The Argentinian brought it down while warding off his marker, before setting up Guendouzi who who placed a clinical low ball in the bottom corner.
Mattia Zaccagni Doubles Lazio’s Lead
Just before reaching the 10-minute mark, the Biancocelesti had already found their second goal. It all stemmed from Castellanos’ vigorous pressing, which allowed Dele-Bashiru to steal the ball and feed Zaccagni. The club captain then played a give-and-go with Taty, who pulled off a sensational rabona assist, allowing his captain to beat Lorenzo Montipo from close range.
Antoine Bernede Comes Close
Verona managed to find some momentum towards the 25th minute and were able to threaten Ivan Provedel’s goal. Antoine Bernede’s superb long-range effort had the Lazio goalkeeper scrambling, but it was denied by the post.
Taty Castellanos Rewards Himself with a Goal
On the contrary, it was the home side who added a third goal, as Rovella’s lovely free-kick outswinger reached Castellanos who headed the ball into the empty net following an ill-advised exit from Montipo.
Substitutes Combined to Score Fourth Lazio Goal
The second period was expectedly less eventful for the most part, but the Lazio substitutes were hellbent on making an impact, so three of them combined on the fourth goal. Reda Belahyane played a give-and-go with Luca Pellegrini before heading towards the byline. The Moroccan then cut it back to Boulaye Dia, who beat everyone else to the ball to score from close range.
What’s Next for Lazio
Following an encouraging display at the Olimpico, seven Lazio players will be active during the international break, while the rest of the squad will continue to work under Sarri at Formello. Afterwards, the team will reunite to prepare for the away contest against Sassuolo on September 14.
Lazio 4-0 Hellas Verona
Goalscorers: 3`Guendouzi (L), 10`Zaccagni (L), 41`Castellanos (L), 82′ Dia (L).
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares (66` Pellegrini); Guendouzi, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru (77` Belahyane); Cancellieri, Castellanos (77` Dia), Zaccagni (66` Pedro).
Verona (3-4-1-2): Montipò; Nuñez, Nelsson, Ebosse (46` Frese); Cham (46` Bella-Kotchap), Serdar, Bernede (69` Belghali), Bradaric; Harroui (46` Al Musrati); Young, Sarr (78` Mosquera).
Referee: Valerio Crezzini (Siena section)
What a change in a week! After looong months of waiting I finally saw speed, combination, hunger, determination from Lazio players and also will to fight for the whole 90 mins. I was afraid that after the 1st goal they will pull back but no, I was afraid that after the 1st half they will stand back and protect the lead but no. They dominated the whole game. Well done ragazzi!
Good to see the team adjusting to the system. As long as the mentalilty is there, I reckon we can secure Champs League places.