Lazio’s last Serie A title and how close they have come since | OneFootball

Lazio’s last Serie A title arrived in 1999-2000, the second league crown in their history. According to The Laziali, it remains a defining high point and frames how close they have come since.

The campaign went to the final day. Sven-Göran Eriksson’s side finished on 72 points, edging Juventus after beating Reggina 3-0 while Juventus lost 1-0 at Perugia in a rain-soaked match.

Backed strongly in the late 1990s, Lazio built a balanced squad. Alessandro Nesta anchored the defence, Juan Sebastián Verón and Diego Simeone drove midfield, and Hernán Crespo, Marcelo Salas and Pavel Nedvěd supplied threat and goals.

There has been no Scudetto since 2000. Financial turbulence in the early 2000s forced sales and resets, and subsequent seasons brought mid-table finishes or European pushes, plus Coppa Italia wins, without sustained title contention.

A resurgence followed under Simone Inzaghi between 2017 and 2021, with dynamic football and regular European qualification. Under Maurizio Sarri they remained competitive. In 2019-20 they were one point behind Juventus before COVID-19 paused play, then injuries and fatigue saw them finish fourth.

In 2022-23 they finished second, underlining progress. The 2010s were dominated by Juventus with nine straight titles, and Inter and AC Milan have rebuilt strongly. They are often seen as intriguing outsiders in UK football betting markets, but to contend they need depth, goals, a resilient defence and continuity.

Source: The Laziali