Lazio earned their second consecutive victory on Sunday afternoon when they defeated Sassuolo 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico, leaving the Neroverdi at the very bottom of the table.
In the more entertaining first half, Stefano Mauri, Filip Djordjevic, and Antonio Candreva were on target for the Biancocelesti, respectively, while Domenico Berardi cut the home team’s lead temporarily only seconds after Djordjevic’s goal.
Berardi’s penalty kick and Lorik Cana’s red card gave the Neroverdi hope temporarily, but Peluso’s sending-off with a half-hour left put Lazio’s win beyond doubt.
For those who witnessed the Stadio Olimpico drama, do you agree with our ratings? Please comment below.
Lazio
Federico Marchetti – 5 – Poor
Allowed a harmless shot to go under him to leave Sassuolo in the game. Answered when upon for the rest of the match, but could do nothing on Berardi’s penalty.
Cavanda – 5.5 – Ambitious
Did not stand out in any way – positive or negative – from the rest of the backline but made brave, yet unproductive runs with the ball deep into the Neroverdi’s half.
De Vrij – 6 – Solid
Had several confident clearances deep in his own half and couldn’t even be blamed for the comic overall defensive performance in the situation for Sassuolo’s first goal.
Lorik Cana – 4 – Dismal
In the highlights only for negative reasons. Should be thankful to his counterpart Peluso for sharing the shame and stripping his team of the chance to save a lost game.
Braafheid – 5 – Quiet
The Dutch defender’s performance was marked by occasional involvements that brought little significance.
Onazi – 5.5 – Productive
Did his job to break play and win tackles well. He could probably get a higher rating if it wasn’t for the routine yellow card he earned himself in the first half.
Parolo – 5 – Wasteful
Had two good opportunities to score a fourth goal for his team and seal the deal. He’ll be glad his misses didn’t cost the Biancocelesti the three points.
Antonio Candreva – 8.5 – Complete package
Hands down the man of the match. The dynamo of his team and catalyst of everything positive: an assist to Djordjevic from the left; set up a goal for himself through the middle that required a simple return pass By Djordjevic; and a nightmare for Federicoo Peluso and Saphir Taider on the right.
Stefano Mauri – 6.5 – Productive
The veteran got the show going with a beautiful finish later on, enough alone to earn him a praise in our ratings and from the Aquile fans when substituted after 50 minutes.
Senad Lulic – 5.5 – Mediocre
Not one of the key figures in the match. Had a good shot on goal saved by Consigli early in the second half.
Djordjevic – 7.5 – Man on Fire
Made Cannavaro look like a gnome when he soared above him for his fourth goal in two matches, did well in the air to return the favor to Candreva and constantly brought chaos to the Neroverdi’s defence
Substitutes
Mickael Ciani – 5 – Unimpactful
Came on for Mauri as a result of Cana’s red card and Berardi’s second goal. Did better than his Albanian teammate but had to do less as the match’s tempo died down.
Felipe Anderson – 5.5 – Energetic
Came off the bench to pick the tempo, but did not have much time to make an impact.
Miroslav Klose – 5 – Wasteful
Had a point-blank range opportunity to make it 4-2 after coming in late for Djordjevic, but did not do as well as expected.
Sassuolo
Andrea Consigli – 7 – Unlucky
The most underrated performer on the field. Not much he could do for the goals, but on the other hand saved his backline from additional blushes on several occasions.
Marcello Gazzola – 5 – Quiet
Did not do any better or any worse than the rest of the backline.
Paolo Cannavaro – 5 – Disappointing
Again easily noticeable as the Neroverdi’s leader in defence. With that being said, he should have done much better in the situation for Djordjevic’s goal.
Luca Antei – 4.5 – Comical
As poor as Sassuolo’s defence was throughout the match, Antei was the one who made the others look good. A horrible performance overall, “highlighted” by a ridiculous attempt to clear the ball for Lazio’s third goal and coming close to scoring an own goal in the second half.
Federico Peluso – 4.5 – Irresponsible
His performance could also be described as wasteful for wasting Sassuolo’s best chance in the second half, but the red card he received affected the outcome of the match.
Biondini – 5 – Unimpressive
Logically replaced after 50 minutes.
Magnanelli – 5.5 – Determined
Gave it his all in midfield for the Neroverdi, unfortunately not enough for a point.
Saphir Taider – 5 – Overrated
One of the most promising names in Eusebio Di Francesco’s team, the Inter loanee did little to stop Candreva from advancing on hand and threaten Cavanda on the other.
Domenico Berardi – 8 – Clinical
As every great forward should, Berardi made the most of his opportunities and thus kept his team in the contest for most of the match. Taking on defenders, creating a penalty, and scoring twice showed that he is one of the people who could help Sassuolo out of their momentary slump.
Simone Zaza – 6 – Solid
Two good opportunities for the Italian international in the first half with only luck preventing him from equalising at 2 all in the first half, hitting the post instead. Did not make much impact in the second half, however.
Nicola Sansone – 7.5 – Creative
Best described as Sassuolo’s Candreva in the match. Made the most of the space that the Biancocelesti gave him, provided for Berardi’s first goal and Zaza’s chance that struck the post.
Substitutes
Nicola Missiroli – 5 – Unimpactful
Alessandro Longhi – 5.5 – Contributing
Replaced Taider 64 minutes and left a bigger impact on the game than the Algerian. Missed one of the Neroverdi’s best chances of the second half when he met a Berardi cross with a diving header, but failed to beat Marchetti.
Antonio Floro Flores – 4.5 – Wasteful
Brought on for about 20 minutes to bring experience to the Neroverdi’s attack, but his performance was marked several mistimed runs and poor passes
