PLAYER RATINGS | Lazio 1-0 Monza

Lazio did not have the easiest of evenings against Monza, but won nonetheless at the Olimpico, which means they are the new number 2 in Serie A.

Monza boldly took the lead after just 13 minutes in Rome. A good attack was finished off with a superb backheel from Andrea Petagna. Nothing seemed wrong with the opener, but VAR cancelled it. Suprisingly, it was the goalscorer himself who was just inches offside. 

The game really opened up as the first half progressed. Vecino had the biggest opportunity to put the home side ahead. Ten minutes before the break, Felipe Anderson made a good run on the left wing and delivered a low cross towards Vecino in the box. The midfielder’s effort was wide, but his shot should have at least been on goal. 

It took a while before something notable happened in the second half. Lazio clearly had the upper hand, but couldn’t put that into real opportunties, until 20 minutes before the end. A great attack from the Biancocelesti on the left led to Pedro firing it towards Di Gregorio. The Monza goalkeeper couldn’t hold onto the ball and an alert Luka Romero smashed it in from close by. That marked the 17-year-old’s first goal in Serie A, the second youngest in Lazio’s history. 

Apart from Romero scoring, there was another bright spot for Lazio on Thursday night. Late in the match, Ciro Immobile returned to the pitch after injury. Lazio can definelty use his help in the last round before the World Cup break, because the Biancocelesti play Juventus on Sunday. Who could miss the clash with the number 4 in the league is Manuel Lazzari. He went off injured in the first half against Monza. 

Player Ratings

Jurre van Wanrooij | GIFN