The Serie A schedule has restarted and Lazio have begun in their attempt to make amends for the first half of the season, yet they’re back to square one.
Just when the Aquile’s formidable away form looked to be starting an impressive trend with victories against the likes of Inter and Fiorentina, the capital club were lacking such menace at the Stadio Renato Dell’Ara on Sunday.
For the 10th time in 20 matches, the Biancocelesti were left trailing at half-time after being punished from two set pieces by Bologna.
Whether Stefano Pioli’s side are too determined or too clumsy, the latter seems to be the case as Lazio have the second highest average number of fouls per game with 16.9, and they are being made to pay for it.
Luckily, the Felsinei shot themselves in the foot as well after Adam Masina earned himself a red card by trying to intervene on an injection of brilliance from second half substitute Miroslav Klose.
While the German isn’t hitting the back of the net anymore these days, his much-needed spark was just enough to save a point for the Aquile. However, a catalyst shouldn’t be so hard to find for a squad this talented.
Klose’s heroics on the day earned him a starting spot ahead of Alessandro Matri and Filip Djordjevic for one of Lazio’s most vital matches of the season in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final clash with Juventus.
In a chance for revenge after defeat in last season’s Coppa Italia final and Supercoppa Italiana defeat, the Biancocelesti fought bravely to exercise their demons against the formidable Bianconeri, but to no avail in the 1-0 defeat.
Lazio’s sacrifice to maintain their admirable cup form was not without great cost, as the club once again lost captain Lucas Biglia to injury.
Pioli could be without his trustworthy midfielder for up to a month following a serious issue with his right ankle. The Argentine needed to be stretchered off the pitch in the final 10 minutes of their grudge match with Juve after all substitutions had been used up.
These series of events add up to a serious case of deja vu, since the beginning of the season saw the club lose its Champions League status and Biglia within one week.
All things considered, it’s now or never for the Aquile to shake off their disbelief and face the busy schedule ahead.
