Player Ratings: Lazio 3-3 Udinese – Pedro Rolls Back the Years

Lazio and Udinese shared the spoils following an entertaining back-and-forth affair that reached its climax in the dying minutes.

Kingsley Ehizibue was the author of the solitary goal of the first half, but the strikes poured after the break, beginning with Luca Pellegrini’s stunning equalizer. Pedro completed the Aquile turnaround with a lovely curler, but Arthur Atta scored twice to put the Zebrette in the lead once more. However, a last-minute goal from Daniel Maldini ensured the game ended in a fair draw.

So it’s time to hand out our player ratings for Lazio, who climbed to 8th place in the Serie A standings following their 3-3 draw with Udinese.

Lazio XI (4-3-3)

Edoardo Motta – 6

A mixed bag from the young goalkeeper, who produced incredible saves on Jakub Piotrowski and Nicolo Zaniolo, but couldn’t stop Ehizibue’s rocket, and should have done better while parrying the ball away on the second goal to prevent conceding on the rebound.

Manuel Lazzari – 5

Aside from a few flashes, it was a poor outing from the Italian right-back, who was easily dispossessed by Jurgen Ekkelenkamp early in the game, which almost resulted in a goal. Lost the aerial due to Vakoun Bayo, which culminated in Udinese’s second goal.

Alessio Romagnoli – 6

The former Milan captain made important interventions, but allowed Adam Buksa to escape him at one point. Almost grabbed the equalizer himself ahead of Maldini’s goal, but his header crashed against the post.

Oliver Provstgaard – 6

Like Romagnoli, the Dane was generally solid, but still had his nervy moments, especially against Zaniolo.

Luca Pellegrini – 6.5

The full-back broke a two-year drought by scoring a screamer on his return to the starting lineup. He also put Noslin through with a clever play. And yet, he was second-best to Ehizibue in their duel, with Udinese mostly creating the danger from his flank.

Toma Basic – 6

The Croatian had a listless first half, but improved after switching to the left. Provided the assist for Pedro’s goal with a smart set-up.

Patric – 6

The makeshift Regista produced two timely blocks to deny the Zebrette, but he wasn’t able to help Lazio advance the play.

Kenneth Taylor – 4.5

The former Ajax midfielder might be Lazio’s best signing in years, but this was his worst display since his arrival in Rome. Offered little to nothing in midfield, was too complacent on the opener, failing to close in on Ehizibue.

Matteo Cancellieri – 6

The Italian winger was one of the most lively Lazio players in the first half. He wasn’t able to make the difference in the final third, but at least he made some important interventions in the defensive phase, and even earned himself a booking for a sliding tackle.

Boulaye Dia – 5

A wasted opportunity for the Senegalese striker, who saw little of the ball before being hauled off at half-time.

Tijjani Noslin – 5.5

The 120 minutes in Bergamo may have taken their toll on the versatile attacker, who lacked the edge. Started out as a left winger and then switched to the centre-forward role, but only threatened to score on a single occasion in the second half, sending his shot just over the bar.

Substitutes

Pedro – 8

An astonishing cameo from the 38-year-old legend. Picked up Isaksen with a sublime cross, scored Lazio’s second with a jaw-dropping curler, and provided the assist for Maldini’s last-minute goal.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6

Lazio’s midfield instantly improved following the Nigerian’s introduction, but he wasted a golden opportunity to give his side a two-goal lead with a poor finish.

Gustav Isaksen – 7

Another substitute who delivered the goods for Lazio. He was unlucky not to score following a glorious run and dribble, as Okoye’s leg directed his shot towards the woodwork. His cross to Romagnoli instigated the last-gasp equalizer.

Daniel Maldini – 7

The Atalanta loanee was at the right time in the right place to poach the final goal of the six-goal thriller.

Nuno Tavares – N/A