Lazio defeated Empoli 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon in Serie A action. The Biancocelesti went into the encounter in superb form remaining unbeaten in their last seven Serie A encounters and within touching distance of city rivals Roma in second place, while the Azzurri were hoping to push up the table with the Tuscans 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
It was Lazio who came away with all three points in a dominating performance as Miroslav Klose and Setefano Mauri converted from Luis Cavanda crosses, while Antonio Candreva powered one in from distance and Felipe Anderson got one from close range.
Empoli had a bright start to the match and forced a corner early on as Daniele Croce forced a corner as the ball rebounded into the side netting from a tight angle.
But the home side did not take long to go ahead and found the net in the fourth minute as Cavanda bombed forward from defence to produce a well timed cross from the right flank for the head of Mauri, who powered the header past Luigi Sepe.
Lazio looked dangerous on the attack in the opening exchanges, particularly on the flanks as Senad Lulic produced several dangerous balls into the box and Candreva tested the goalkeeper’s gloves from distance.
Empoli pushed forward in search of a goal but struggled to break down a stubborn Lazio defence in the first half as game was broken up by several free kicks.
The home side went 2-0 up in similar circumstances to the first in the 31st minute as the ball came to Cavanda again on the right flank.
The Congolese full back lifted an exquisite cross into the box which found Klose who headed in to double Lazio’s advantage.
Lazio got their third a few moments before half time as Candreva found the back of the net from range as Lucas Biglia passed to the Italy international, who took a touch before rifling the ball into the top corner of the goal from 25 yards.
Although, the Biancocolesti could have had a fourth in stoppage time as Mauri found the net again before the effort was ruled out as offside.
Lazio continued their dominance in the match and got a fourth early in the second half through Felipe Anderson.
Anderson ran down the left flank and ran towards the box, testing the gloves of Sepe before a mini scramble allowed the ball to land at the feet of the inform Brazilian to slot into the net.
The home side went down to ten men as Diego Novaretti received a second yellow card but this did not hold Lazio back who continued to look dangerous.
Empoli had opportunities late on to snatch a goal through Massimo Maccarone but could not convert as they were outplayed by a more determined side.
