One test after another, and Lazio have once again rolled with the punches to come out on top.
A few knocks to the head sure did the trick for a side that had many people convinced that they were simply not ready or equipped to battle on two fronts, but here we are.
As nervy as these resulting wins have been, you cannot argue that any match is easy in both the Europa League or from the surprises and unpredictability seen in Serie A’s opposition so far this season. On the peninsula it was comforting to see the Biancocelesti free from jet lag to welcome Saint Etienne to the Stadio Olimpico to try and break open Group G’s equal standing.
This was the first ever meeting between the two sides, and the capital club needed a home victory to add to their all time record of five against French opposition. Three of these wins had come at home, but historically Lazio have been on the losing end six times in all 14 meetings and with only one goal in the last three European clashes there was little room for error.
Groans galore came when Les Verts clumsily opened the scoring thanks to a poorly handled corner kick by the home side, but as we’ve seen before this season the Blucerchiati have a habit of learning the hard way defensively. Ogenyi Onazi repaid Pioli’s faith on his second competition start to level the terms within 15 minutes of the early setback. You might say Robert Beric made matters easier as he was sent off with a straight red card for a supposed elbow on Mauricio, but the home side still needed to find a way past a brilliant Stephane Ruffier.
After being previously robbed by the Frenchman of his first goal with the club, Wesley Hoedt showcased his Eredivisie-esque heel volley finish as his second half goal sent the Olimpico into rapture. Lucas Biglia added his second goal in successive matches to cushion the lead and further cement his heroic return from injury. The two players proved to be juggernaut performers on the night, with Hoedt garnering an 8.6 man of the match rating according on WhoScored.com along with captain Biglia’s 8.2.
Defensive blunders dampened the mood for Lazio once again, though, as Dusan Basta’s poor attempt to mark Kevin Monnet-Paquet allowed the striker to pull one back for the visitors before their eventual loss.
The Eagles then mustered enough strength in a short three day recovery to make history and carve out their very first Derby del Romano-Ciociaro victory over Frosinone on Sunday. This time it was the strike force getting the job done late, albeit a pleasure to see as Keita Balde’s brilliant finish off the post with ten minutes left opened up the Canarini for Filip Djordjevic to also poach near the final whistle.
After the match Stefano Pioli gave full credit to his side for showing spirit and character in the narrow win. Yes, he was also quick to point out that his team have won nothing yet, but they’ll surely relish a recovery during the international break after a successful climb into third place.
I read your news all the time and i appreciate the work and everything but you have to know that we are biancocelesti, not bluecerciati like sampdoria…