Lazio and Fiorentina Draw 2-2 in a Thrilling Match
No losers, no winners. Lazio and Fiorentina drew 2-2 at the Olimpico, a result that does not allow the Viola to get out of the relegation zone and the Biancocelesti to dream of Europe, even further away after tonight, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth for the missed opportunity. At the end, there is space for the farewells of Guendouzi, sold to Fenerbahce. The Frenchman plays for the last time in the Lazio shirt for 90 minutes, then runs under the Curva Nord to greet and receive the applause of the fans.
Match Analysis
Sarri once again has to deal with the absences by giving up Dele-Bashiru and Dia involved in the Africa Cup of Nations to which the suspended Noslin and Marusic are added, forcing the coach to deploy Cancellieri at the center of the attack with Isaksen and Zaccagni on the sides. While Vanoli initially leaves Kean on the bench to focus on Piccoli up front. The start is Lazio-style with the first opportunity falling to Basic, but on the right with De Gea doing well to block it with his foot. The Biancocelesti raise the engine revs and the protagonist becomes Gila who first sees Fagioli’s header blocked off the line and, immediately after, a left-footed shot from Mandragora.
The Spaniard, then, is still the protagonist with the most controversial episode of the first half which sparked protests from Lazio when Pongracic held him in the area with Gila’s shirt stretching. Sozza, a few steps away, lets play by making broad gestures and with the VAR, in turn, deciding not to intervene, leaving the pitch’s decision unchanged. Lazio are foaming with anger, but they also lose Basic, replaced by Vecino midway through the first half, due to a muscle problem. The first half thus ends at 0-0.
Second Half and the Turning Point
Upon returning to the field the two coaches confirm the 22 who closed the first half but the one returning to the field is a more convinced Lazio. So much so that they found the advantage with Cataldi who exploited Vecino’s pass to break the deadlock and beat De Gea. Lazio’s advantage, however, is only an illusion with Gosens who, launched in depth by a good play from Fagioli, beats Provedel with his left foot, bringing the result back to a draw. The Viola take courage, Vanoli plays the Kean card in place of Piccoli, Sarri responds by dusting off Pedro for Isaksen.
The most dangerous in the Viola area, however, is once again Gila who heads a sure shot but the all-Spanish derby is once again won by De Gea who outdoes himself by saving with an open hand and then blocking Romagnoli’s rebound with his body, nailing the result to 1-1. The turning point of the match comes at the end with the contact between Gila and Gudmunsson in the area which Sozza first doesn’t punish, then recalled by the VAR for a penalty. From the spot the Icelander was glacial, beating Provedel and putting his team ahead. The match at the Olimpico, however, still has something to say with Zaccagni who, with time practically up, earned the penalty which allowed the Biancocelesti to equalise, thanks to Pedro, and both to gain a point which was of little use.
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