Mattia Zaccagni’s Sublime Winner in Monza Extends Lazio’s Purple Patch | OneFootball

Lazio registered their tenth victory in their 11 fixtures in all competitions after edging past their hosts Monza thanks to Mattia Zaccagni’s solitary strike.

Tactical Change

Marco Baroni decided to shift from his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-3-3 system led by Boulaye Dia, with Pedro and Zaccagni on the flanks, while Matias Vecino was the extra midfielder alongside Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi.

Lazio Threaten

The two sides traded jabs early on, but the Biancocelesti were the more dangerous side. Nevertheless, the first big occasion ensued in the 33rd minute when Nuno Tavares fed Zaccagni inside the box. The Lazio captain cut to the right aimed towards the bottom corner, but was denied by the post.

Zaccagni’s Pearler

Nevertheless, Zaccagni avenged himself just a few minutes later. Guendouzi drove the ball forward before passing it to his skipper on the left flank. The winger still had much to do, but managed to cut inside and carve himself a shooting angle on the edge of the box and send a fabulous curler that left Stefano Turati stranded.

Turati Denies Lazio Twice

The hosts were more determined after the break, but the capital side looked the likelier team to score. Nevertheless, Turati did well to stop a powerful Nicolo Rovella half-volley and also prevailed against Taty Castellanos in a one-on-one chance. Monza then had the chance to snatch a point from a close-range freekick in the final minute of added time, but Gianluca Caprari couldn’t beat the wall.

Precious Victory

Hence, Lazio return to the capital with a slim yet valuable victory that kept them on par with Atalanta and Fiorentina, while Alessandro Nesta could be facing the sack as Monza continue to sink.

Monza 0-1 Lazio

Goals: 36′ Zaccagni (L)

Monza (3-4-2-1): Turati; Izzo, Marì, Carboni (55′ Pessina); Pereira (88′ Birindelli), Bondo (88′ Petagna), Bianco, Kyriakopoulos; Maldini (74′ Caprari), Mota; Djuric. Coach:  Nesta.

Lazio (4-3-3):  Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares (75′ Pellegrini); Guendouzi (90′+2 Gigot), Rovella, Vecino; Pedro (59′ Isaksen), Dia (59′ Castellanos), Zaccagni (75′ Noslin). Coach:  Baroni.

Referee: Colombo from Como

Yellow cards: Carboni (M), Pereira (M), Bianco (M), Maldini (M), Isaksen (L), Pessina (M).