🩵 One-man show first, then... TEARS 🥲 Motta's destined night | OneFootball

Edoardo Motta takes over at Lazio. The young Biancoceleste goalkeeper, who arrived in January to serve as Provedel’s backup after Mandas moved to the Premier League, has everything it takes to be called a chosen one.

Lazio’s plan was for the former Reggiana player to develop in Provedel’s shadow, but because of the No. 94’s injury, the 21-year-old found himself having to take the field practically right away every week.

What might have seemed like a gamble, however, is turning into Lazio’s great fortune this season, and the numbers prove it: just 3 goals conceded in 6 Serie A matches, with 3 clean sheets and a saved penalty, the one against Orsolini in Bologna. All that before yesterday’s breakout in Bergamo.

🤯 A sensational performance

It was not an easy match for Motta, who, truth be told, had looked a bit uncertain over the 90 minutes, especially with the ball at his feet and on Ederson’s goal — later fortunately disallowed for him.

Then, in the 90th+6 minute, came the superb save on Scamacca’s header, which sent the match to extra time. An incredibly difficult intervention, because he was wrong-footed, and in a decisive moment of the semifinal.

Then came the penalty shootout and Motta’s miracles: after Raspadori scored the first one, he guessed every corner, saving the next four attempts from the Bergamo side. A feat achieved only once before, by Adrian Semper, also in the Coppa Italia in Pisa-Cesena. A real one-man show that left the Gewiss Stadium crowd stunned, as well as those watching the match from home.

🥲 The post-match emotion and the fans’ embrace

Even more beautiful than the string of miracles, though, were the tears of the 2005-born goalkeeper, who at the end of the match, speaking to Mediaset, could not hold back his emotion.

"I dedicate these tears to everyone, to anyone who knows me, to the fans... Thank you," Motta said. "The final? Hopefully we win before penalties." 

It was a touching moment, because it showed all the genuineness of a simple young man, seemingly so far removed from modern football. The best thing one can wish for him, then, is that he always stays this way.

Also beautiful was the welcome from Lazio fans upon the team’s return to the capital late at night. Hugs all around, but naturally the main man was once again the 2005-born goalkeeper, carried in triumph here too, just as he had already been on the Gewiss pitch.

Motta still has a long road ahead of him, the talent is there. In the meantime, at just 21 years old, on May 13 he will start the Coppa Italia final against Inter. Not bad at all for a first Serie A season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

📸 Marco Rosi - SS Lazio - 2026 Getty Images