Lazio 2-1 Sassuolo: Marusic’s Injury-Time Header Ends Winless Run | OneFootball

Thorstvedt Lazio returned to winning ways in Serie A, earning a last-gasp victory over their visitors, Sassuolo, at an almost deserted Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio Starting Lineup

Maurizio Sarri kept his starting lineup intact from the midweek draw against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia, with the only exception being the introduction of Edoardo Motta, who made his Lazio debut due to Ivan Provedel’s season-ending injury. Daniel Maldini led the line, supported by Mattia Zaccagni and Gustav Isaksen, while the midfield comprised Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Danilo Cataldi, and Kenneth Taylor.

Daniel Maldini Opens Lazio Account

The Biancocelesti needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock. Isaksen made a daring run into the box before aiming at goal. His shot was blocked by Jay Idzes, but the ball fell nicely to Maldini, who kept his cool before slotting it into the empty net. This marks the 24-year-old’s first goal for the Italian capital side.

Wasteful Lazio Couldn’t Double Their Lead

The hosts continued to dominate the action early on, but they squandered several promising chances. Isaksen drilled his shot just off target, while his header whistled past the post. Maldini then pounced on a loose ball, and a quick passage of play set up a promising chance for Dele-Bashiru, but his effort was wide off the mark.

Sassuolo Restore Parity

Lazio were made to pay for their wasted opportunities when Armand Lauriente equalized the score in the 35th minute from a play he instigated himself. The Frenchman combined with M’Bala Nzola and Kristian Thorstvedt before launching a rocket to the far corner, leaving Motta with no chance.

Lazio Had the Best Chances in the Second Half

The second period began on a slow note, but the pace gradually picked up. Dele-Bashiru aimed at goal once more, but his shot went wayward. Mario Gila’s inch-perfect through ball put Isaksen one-on-one with Arijanet Muric. The Dane went for a cheeky lob, but it didn’t drop down in time.

Isaksen immediately left the pitch following that missed chance, and his replacement, Matteo Cancellieri, almost made an immediate impact with a sublime curler, but Muric denied him with a diving save. On the other end of the pitch, Motta produced a double save on Lauriente and Thorstvedt.

Adam Marusic Wins it at the Death

While the contest appeared to be heading towards a draw, Adam Marusic reignited his passion for scoring late winners. The Montengrin made a rare run to the opponent’s box, and Cancellieri picked him up with an exquisite cross.

The Sassuolo goalkeeper made the ill-advised decision of abandoning his post, but he couldn’t reach the ball in time, which allowed Marusic to easily nod home the winner into the empty net.

Lazio thus ended their four-match winless run in Serie A, which allowed them to overtake Udinese in 10th place. Nevertheless, Sassuolo remain just one point ahead of them in the standings.

Lazio 2-1 Sassuolo

Goalscores: 2′ Maldini (L), 35′ Laurienté, 92′ Marusic (L)

Lazio (4-3-3):  Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli (Provstgaard 45′), Nuno Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Cataldi (Patric 38′), Taylor; Isaksen (Cancellieri 79′), Maldini (Dia 65′), Zaccagni (Pedro 79′). 

Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Coulibaly (68′ Walukiewicz), Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia (68′ Doig); Koné (83′ Bakola), Lipani (45′ Matic), Thorstvedt; Berardi, Nzola, Laurienté.

Referee: Arena; Linesmen: Meli–Alassio; Fourth Official: Tremolada; VAR: Paterna; AVAR : Abisso

Yellow Cards: 37′ Lipani (S), 58′ Coulibaly (S), 86′ Laurienté (S), 88′ Walukiewicz (S)