Lazio’s defence produced an embarrassing first-half performance to concede three goals and end their Europa League campaign before the half-time whistle was blown, going on to lose by a 3-0 scoreline.
Antonio Candreva tried everything he could to create for the home-team as one positive figure in an otherwise miserable performance at the Stadio Olimpico.
Agree with our ratings? Have your say in the comments below.
Federico Marchetti – 5.5 – Respectable
Despite conceding three goals, was largely not at fault for any and did manage to make some strong saves when called upon.
Abdoulay Konko – 6.5 – Quality
Despite injury concerns coming into the match, Konko was arguably the one Lazio defender who can hold his head up following the match.
The Frenchman was forced to make a number of excellent tackles and interceptions in the box, in addition to delivering quality balls to his forwards at the other end of the pitch.
Wesley Hoedt – 4.5 – Error-ridden
Often looked lost in the Lazio defensive line with Sparta Prague turning him inside out in the first half. Also lost the ball in the lead-up to the second goal.
Milan Bisevac – 4.5 – Lacking
Provided a weak line of defence with a poor attempted clearance in the lead up to the first goal while providing next-to-no challenge on the cross that ended with Sparta’s third.
Senad Lulic – 5 – Vulnerable
Saw his left side defence targeted during Sparta’s first half raid where he was caught out of position and beaten on a number of occasion. All three goals came out of initial attacks down Sparts’s right side attack.
Marco Parolo – 5 – Irrelevant
Unable to make a strong impression on the game and one of the players at fault for failing to clear prior to Sparta’s opener.
Lucas Biglia – 6 – Possessive
A typically dominant display in Lazio’s midfield, amassing almost 100 passes and central to Lazio’s 63% of possession. Largely did his job however was let down by those around him.
Stefano Mauri – 4.5 – Poor
Produced a performance riddled with poor touches, misplaced balls and, importantly, failing to take advantage of two clear-cut chances on goal.
Antonio Candreva – 7 – Shining-light
Central to most of Lazio’s attacking moves, trying everything he could to get his team on the scoreboard; delivering a number of tantalising crosses, a superb cut-back for Mauri which should have ended as an assist and also testing the opposition keeper on a number of occasions. Deserved more from his teammates.
Miroslav Klose – 5 – Limited
Tried to get involved where possible, linking up well with his teammates in the early minutes but otherwise, failed to attain any significant touches where it mattered most.
Keita Balde – 6 – Trying
Tried his best to spark Lazio’s attack by making some strong run’s forward, involving himself in some positive interplay and producing four shots of his own, however otherwise unable to provide the important finishing moment.
Substitutes
Alessandro Matri (58 minutes) – 6 – Spirited
Despite the sombre mood he entered the game on, looked willing to try and play for some pride; making a number of good runs, producing a back-heel on goal at one stage while also involving himself in some strong interplay. However, another who was unable to make that final telling blow.
Felipe Anderson (58 minutes) – 5.5 – Lifeless
Despite over 30 minutes on the pitch and managing close to 40 touches, struggled to get himself into the match or make many telling positive contributions, suffering within a team who had given up.
Mauricio (68 minutes) – 5.5 – Unconvincing
Immediately involved himself in the game by meeting a corner, despite heading high and wide. Soon fell victim at the back, beaten comprehensively one-on-one at the back.
