- Lazio secured a much deserved 1-0 win over Serie A rivals Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday
- The two sides will meet again in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg on Tuesday
On Saturday, Lazio secured a much deserved 1-0 win over Serie A rivals Juventus at Stadio Olimpico in the Lazio vs Juventus clash. The only goal of the match was scored by Adam Marusic in stoppage time to give the Lazio fans a reason to celebrate.
The crucial victory against Juve “is the best movie” new Lazio manager Igor Tudor could have hoped for. The win not only moves them a step close to a UEFA Champions League spot but also gives them belief that they could beat the Old Lady again on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg between the two teams.
Lazio vs Juventus. Photo/ ESPN.
Tudor took charge of Lazio two weeks ago before the international break following the resignation of former boss Maurizio Sarri. Sarri decided to step down from his position after the Eagles suffered a fifth defeat in six games in all competitions.
While it was a dream start for Igor, the injury time win by Lazio was another devastating blow for Massimiliano Allegri and his Juventus side who have now managed just one win in the past nine matches. They sit third on the Serie A table with 59 points, six behind second placed AC Milan, who have won all their matches across all competitions since the start of this month and beat Fiorentina 2-1 yesterday.
Lazio Vs Juventus
The Lazio vs Juventus match played on Saturday marked the first time in four days that these two teams will clash. Both teams have been having a disappointing performance for the past few weeks and a win was badly needed to boost morale.
Juventus, who came into the match without suspended Dusan Vlahovic, started the better of the two sides. Federico Chiesa was particularly looking lively on the left wing as he tried to break into the hosts defence. He came close to scoring as the match progressed by when he used his pace to get into a dangerous area but his shot was deflected wide.
Felipe Anderson was Lazio’s star in the early openings and he at one point managed to beat Juventus defenders before unselfishly passing the ball to his teammate Taty Castellanos, who somehow failed to hit the target when in a very promising position. The duo combined again afterwards but Castellanos still couldn’t find the back of the net.
Lazio continued to probe but they weren’t clinical enough to cause damage. Juventus goalie Wojciech Szczesny found himself in trouble before half time after a back pass by Daniele Rugani turned out to be dangerous. However, they manager to clear the ball before being punished for their blushes.
Lazio picked from where they left in the second half causing more troubles at Juventus’ defender. However, they had to wait until stoppage time when Matteo Guendouzi’s cross was met by Adam Marusic who headed home the winner and the only goal of the match.
AC Milan Beat Fiorentina
Later that evening, AC Milan increased their points advantage over Juventus by beating Fiorentina 2-1 at the Stadio Artemio.
The Rossoneri were held to a goalless first half, but went ahead two minutes after the restart. Rafael Leao’s backheel pass found former Chelsea man Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who tapped home at the far post.
Rafael Leao (R) scored and provided an assist as AC Milan beat Fiorentina 2-1 on Saturday. Photo/ The AC Milan Offside.
Fiorentina pulled themselves together and levelled almost immediately thanks to Alfred Duncan’s well taken strike. It was the 31-year-old’s second goal of the season.
Leao, who missed several opportunities in the first half, put Milan back in front after a moment of brilliance in the opposition’s goal. Florence tried to find a second equalizer but the visitors defended well to walk away with three points.
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