Lazio could only manage a 1-1 draw with Chievo on Sunday afternoon in Serie A, at the Stadio Olimpico.
A fine solo effort from Miroslav Klose was thought to be enough for Lazio to seal the points, but Alberto Paloschi equalised with his side’s first shot on target.
Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.
Lazio
Federico Marchetti – 6.5 – Watched
Watched on as opposite number Bizzari was tested time and time again as he was left with little to do. Defence ahead of him was easily able to provide a barrier.
Dusan Basta – 6.5 – Decent
Not too showy, supported well and defended without error, although in honestly wasn’t ran at all too often.
Diego Novaretti – 6.5 – Close
Bored defensively, almost scored a surprising goal but was denied by the sharp reflexes of Bizzari, who defied the ageing process.
Mauricio – 6 – Error
It was a relaxing Sunday afternoon for the defender, who watched mostly but then made interventions when necessary, but undid his work with poor judgement, flicking a header into the path of Paloschi.
Stefan Radu – 6 – Attempts
Other than the anomaly of Schelotto, Chievo gave him little to do, and while he attempted to apply himself on the attacking front couldn’t make anything substantial. Claims an assist by technicality.
Ogenyi Onazi – 6.5 – Tough
Motivated as always, covered the midfield area well and clamped down on opponents, a no-nonsense appearance. Spurned a great chance to add to the lead, however, before Chievo scored.
Cristian Ledesma – 6.5 – Slowly
Enjoyed a healthy share of the ball, but distributed it onwards in a way which was bordering on lethargic. Chievo’s defence was set up for a draw, and Ledesma needed to carve it open.
Senad Lulic – 6.5 – Trying
Like in the last fixture, gave a lot of effort which resulted in little product. Wasn’t bad by any means, but is still lacking that cutting edge of late.
Antonio Candreva – 7 – Lively
Lively early on, settled down a bit as the game went by but threatened with his pace and crossing ability. Was a worry for the stacked Chievo defence, and had many blocked and saved shots, so his failure to score was surprising.
Miroslav Klose – 7 – Masterful
Shut down in the last fixture, the German was a different man and scored a sublime goal, weaving through the defence with awe-inspiring ease.
Felipe Anderson – 7 – Providing
Denied strongly by Bizzarri when he tried for a goal, and was generally quite good with his link ups, picking out runs and providing an option successfully.
Substitutes
Balde Keita – 6 – Speed
Came on for Klose, and promptly exhibited his electric pace.
Ederson – N/A
Brayan Perea
Chievo Verona
Albano Bizzarri – 7.5 – Brick wall
The veteran produced a handful of stunning stops to prevent Lazio from storming into a huge lead, but was then left exposed for Klose’s goal.
Nicolas Frey – 6 – Limited
Defensively acceptable, dealing with tricky opponents, but found opportunities to venture forward positively to be limited.
Bostjan Cesar – 5 – Poor
Lost his grip early on and failed to regain it. Lost his man far too many times and watched as Klose tore through his side’s heart.
Dario Dainelli – 5.5 – Weak
Was good last week, but watched that form disappear as he failed to deal with Lazio’s threat. Beaten by Klose for pace and slow to read their passing interchanges.
Ervin Zukanovic – 6.5 – Wing
Loves darting forward and continued to do so in this regard, although lead to less success than in previous weeks.
Ezequiel Schelotto – 6.5 – Felled
Enjoyed marauding forward and provided a tricky challenge for his opponents. Was felled on numerous occasions as he looked for a way in.
Mariano Izco – 6.5 – Boxes
The Argentine’s work rate was exemplary, and was seen on the cusps of each box with ease. Never far away from a duel and put in another fine shift.
Ivan Radovanovic – 6 – Important
Was again a very important fixture in Chievo’s midfield. Was essential in preventing the home side from assuming total control over their bottom half counterparts.
Perparim Hetemaj – 6 – Conservative
Sat back and applied himself mainly in the middle third of the park, where he looked to receive the ball and then immediately seek another option. A reliable outlet.
Sergio Pellissier – 5.5 – Cut off
Has been in great form recently but Lazio were always going to be a big obstacle in continuing that. Found space to be limited and supply cut off, and was rendered ineffectual.
Alberto Paloschi – 6.5 – Vice
Was subject to a vice-like grip from Lazio’s defensive might, and his greatest contribution was a blocked shot, until his volley beat Marchetti for an unlikely point.
Substitutes:
Ruben Botta – 5 – Hard
Tried his luck with crosses but came into the match during Lazio dominance.
Gennaro Sardo – N/A
Ioannis Fetfatzidis – N/A
