SERIE A REVIEW | Torino 0-0 Lazio

Following Lazio’s 0-0 draw against Torino, Jerry Mancini looks back on a dour performance from the Biancocelesti…

Lazio’s inability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities resulted in a 0-0 tie versus Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The Biancocelesti opened their 2022/23 Serie A campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory versus Bologna, yet struggled to follow up with a similar result. It was a dull performance from the visitors as they showed minimal intensity and weren’t effective in the final third. 

In recent years Torino and Lazio have played in rigid matches with both sides making it difficult to score. This was the fourth consecutive draw between the two sides and has ended in two or fewer goals combined. 

“Torino are complicated for everyone, they caused us huge problems in the two matches last season and their characteristics make them particularly tricky for us to play against,” Lazio manager, Maurizio Sarri, said to Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m satisfied with the performance, tough and very solid. I’m not happy with the result.”

Torino held the advantage in possession (54%-46%) however, it was Lazio, who had the bulk of chances in this match. In the first half, Adam Marusic received a brilliant pass inside the box from Mattia Zaccagni. The Lazio fullback got his shot on target at the near post, however, Torino goalkeeper, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, made the save with his legs. 

Later in the match, Ciro Immobile, was denied from point blank down the left flank as Milinkovic-Savic made himself big and denied the Italian from scoring. Lazio lacked creativity in the final third and were not clinical when their chances came their way.

Lazio goalkeeper, Luis Maximiano, was suspended as he picked up a red card in their previous match versus Bologna. Ivan Provedel made his first start with the Biancocelesi and didn’t need to be as sharp as he was versus Bologna.

Torino didn’t make it difficult for Provedel as he needed to make one save, yet was assertive when called upon. Early into this season, he has shown to be a good signing by the Biancocelesti. 

Although Lazio struggled offensively, their defensive game has been encouraging to start the season. Last year, this was an area of concern as they conceded 59 goals and ranked tenth in Serie A in goals against. However, in their first two games, they have conceded one goal and earned a clean sheet. 

Lazio limited Torino to one shot on target and had minimal scoring chances. They have shown more composure, calmness and structure in the backend.

“This year we started well, we work well the defense and this is the result,” Adam Marusic stated to Sky Sport.

“Today we did not concede, with Bologna only on a penalty, we must continue like this.”

The addition of Alessio Romagnoli has been key as he’s provided stability and leadership to their defense. While the Italian had a strong performance, it was Patric who was the man of the match for Lazio. Before Sarri took over as manager, the Spaniard struggled in several areas of his game. However, the Italian tactician has helped him improve and become a more effective and stable player. 

Throughout the match, Patric was assertive and made several key challenges. He showed good awareness, was calm under pressure and moved the ball out from the backend with ease. Patric finished with six tackles, four clearances, one interception and 12 accurate long ball passes. The defender has come a long way under Sarri and has now become integral to Lazio’s backfield. 

“We have to recover well to play against Inter, we have less than a week. We could have scored a goal tonight, but we must always play like that,” added Marusic.

Jerry Mancini | GIFN