Lazio thrashed Bologna 6-0 in Serie A on Sunday afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico.
Miroslav Klose claimed an incredible five of the strikes while Hernanes also chipped in with one.
This game was the meeting of two sides with no wins in either of their last 5 games. Both could be forgiven for fancying their chances.
The first 20 minutes of the first half was a facade that this game would be an even contest. Lazio began by probing down the wings, with long passes from full back to wide man, which usually resulted in an over hit cross. Bologna’s strategy was obvious; get the ball to Panagiotis Kone, Kone holds possesion and brings in other players to the party. The problem was that the party guests were too often too late. Lazio’s defence picked the ball from Kone with relative ease on more than one occasion.
The opening goal could have been described as scrappy by a cynic, or a Roma fan. Candreva volleyed first time from a long ball only for Stojanovic to parry into the path of Miroslav Klose. The German goal machine finished first time on his left foot.
If the first goal was ugly, the second was anything but. Lazio began to purr after they broke the duct and when Lazio purr, Hernanes is the biggest cat of them all. The Brazilian received the ball at a slight angle from 25 yards out or so and he delivered a long range shot any mid-field magician would be proud of. The ball launched into the air from the inside of his foot and crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Lazio then decided to show off their smooth passing and counter attacking capabilities. A quick break up field in the 35th minute left Klose one on one with Stojanovic, you can guess what happened.
Klose’s fox in the box status was further demonstrated 3 minutes later when Konko fizzed in a low cross to the back post where the German International was eagerly waiting. 38 minutes gone, he had his hat-trick. Lazio had Bologna stuffed baked and ready for the carving knife; 4-0.
The second half resumed where the first left off; Lazio dominance. Only 4 minutes after the re-start, Lazio put together a move which found Candreva at the by line chipping a cross into Klose. Yet again, this great scorer found the net. This time with his head. For Lazio, it seemed effortless now.
Bologna were now in a panic. The hour came and they were caught in possession 25 yards from their own net. Floccari provided the pass for Klose this time. The ex Bayern Munich assasin had his fifth of the day. As if to further illustrate his ability, Klose now had 3 with his right foot, one with his left and one with his head. A perfect hat-trick as they say, only this striker had scored 5.
The last half an hour consisted of Lazio standing off Bologna and the visiting sides extra time on the ball coming to nothing. Not to say Marchetti, the Lazio keeper was bored, he simply wasn’t tested.
Bologna’s safety is now confirmed, so this game is of no consequence. Lazio however, keep their dreams of European football alive.
