Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw against Chievo at the Stadio Olimpico in their Sunday afternoon Serie A fixture.
A late first half goal from Miroslav Klose looked to have secured the three points but Alberto Paloschi equalised for the Flying Donkeys in the second half.
The first chance came from a free kick: a foul on the edge of the area by Dario Dainelli gave Antonio Candreva an early chance, but he dragged his shot wide. The Italian international had another chance when he exchanged passes with Dusan Basta in the box, but his shot was easily gathered by Albano Bizzarri.
The Argentinian wasn’t going to be beaten easily it seemed. A wonderful move involving Ogenyi Onazi and Candreva saw the Italian through on goal, but again Bizzarri denied him with a smart save. Next it was the turn of Diego Novaretti to test the 37 year-old keeper, but once more the ball was turned away by Bizzarri.
Despite a heroic half from the visitors, the hosts did manage to take the lead before half time through Miroslav Klose. The German rolled back the years with an excellent run that culminated in an exquisite finish past Bizzarri. Stefano Pioli could relax slightly at half time with his team taking one step toward securing second place.
The Biancocelesti started the second half with the same intensity. Basta came close to sneaking the ball past Bizzarri, before Candreva sent a driven effort from outside the box just wide. Onazi was guilty of squandering a great chance to increase their lead, putting his place effort wide when Bizzarri was caught out of position.
Chievo did have their chances. One of the best came from Ruben Botta who had timed his run into the box perfectly, but couldn’t direct a difficult headed chance on target.
Lazio were quick to take control again whenever Chievo attacked. Candreva went on a wonderful winding run past the defenders, but couldn’t apply the finish to beat Bizzarri. The veteran keeper was back to his unflappable-self again having conceded, this time denying Keita Balde Diao from close range.
Completely against the run of play, Chievo drew level. A long ball into the box allowed Alberto Paloschi to send a pulverizing strike past Federico Marchetti to restore parity.
Lazio tried desperately to retake the lead, Keita making inroads into the Chievo half, but sent his shot skyward in front of goal. Candreva would do the same shortly after, reflecting a level of complacency that has effected Lazio in recent matches.
The result still means Lazio hold onto second place, but haven’t been able to put some distance between themselves and Roma. Rolando Maran’s side move above Sassuolo in their safe position outside of the relegation zone.
