At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, AC Milan were dealt what was likely a deadly Scudetto blow after suffering defeat to an inspired Lazio.
Gustav Isaksen’s first-half strike proved to be the solitary difference between the two sides on Sunday evening, allowing Inter Milan to widen the gap at the top of the table to eight points.
Here are our player ratings for Lazio who produced what was arguably their most convincing display of the season in their 1-0 win over Milan.
Lazio XI (4-3-3)
Edoardo Motta – 7
The 21-year-old obviously has to improve his distrubution, but he put his goalkeeping prowess on display in the second half, producing impressive saves on Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku, and making brave interventions.
Adam Marusic – 6
The Montenegrin gave Lazio a major scare early on when he got dispossessed in a dangerous area. However, he atoned for himself by providing the assist for Isaksen.
Mario Gila – 7
Another fabulous display from the Spaniard against one of his main suitors. Assumed a leadership role in Alessio Romagnoli’s absence, and made some decisive interceptions.
Oliver Provstgaard – 7
An excellent performance from the young Dane, who kept Rafael Leao in his pocket and pulled off some timely blocks.
Nuno Tavares – 7
Although the final delivery could have been better, the Portuguese full-back enjoyed his best outing since the start of the season, harrying Milan’s right flank from start to finish and giving Alexis Saelemaekers a torrid time.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6
While he didn’t necessarily stand out, the Nigerian put on a hard-working and disciplined display that should receive Sarri’s approval.
Patric – 6.5
The Lazio stalwart acted as a makeshift deep-lying playmaker. He did well when shielding the backline and ran more than anyone else on the pitch, but didn’t look too comfortable in possession, as his touch was often too heavy. Nevertheless, his ability to operate in this unusual role deserves major props.
Kenneth Taylor – 7
The Dutchman prevailed in his duel against Youssouf Fofana. Covered almost every grass on the pitch before earning himself a cramp for his remarkable efforts.
Gustav Isaksen – 7.5
The Danish winger had a back-and-forth battle with Pervis Estupinan, but he certainly had the last laugh as he beat the Ecuadorian before giving Lazio the lead with a clinical finish.
Daniel Maldini – 6
The Milan youth product squandered a glorious chance to make it 2-0 in the first half, but he still deserves some plaudits for his attacking and defensive contributions.
Mattia Zaccagni – 6
The Lazio captain gave several scares to Fikoyo Tomori with his tricky skills. He had an excellent combination with Tavares down the left flank.
Substitutes
Pedro – 5.5
A quiet cameo from the veteran who started on the wing before moving to the left. He was willing to track back, but didn’t make himself noticed.
Boulaye Dia – 5.5
The Senegalese striker made an important clearance at the back, but hardly had a sniff in Milan’s areas.
Matteo Cancellieri – N/A
Reda Belahyane – N/A
Go Lazio Go!!
Per me, Tavares was a big surprise. Even in 80th minuti he had enough energy to make full sprints. He provided solid service with his passes.
Maldini failed me (again). He had two opportunities to go in a break, but he is too slow with the ball to take them.
3 stars of the evening – Laziali, Motta, Gila.
“We need to not make silly mistakes, it’s already enough pressure on Motta and will be exponentially bigger than against Sassuolo because it will be a packed Olimpico.
I do believe Milan are not as good as people say, they just sort of get results and only played once a week for most of the season. Without Rabiot they are even less good, so, as long as we don’t give them ridiculous chances, I think we will be in the game.
The question is can Zaccagni finally show something? what Isakksen is turning up tomorrow? Can Maldini surprise his former employers by putting on a show with at least a 7 out of 10? and is Patric up for it? If there will be positive answers to these, I think we could bring home the 3 pts.
Avanti LAZIO 🩵🤍”
This was my message a day prior to the match. I believe it was decent as we (other than Marusic really) did not give away ridiculous chances. Zaccagni didn’t shine but was OK. Isakksen did show up, Maldini was decent but could’ve done better in some instances, Motta turned up and Patric put inthe shift of his life. Gila, Provstgaard and Tavares all were on par with the fans and what a bunch…Lazio fans are something else, I say it again, on another universe.