Player Ratings: Empoli 0-1 Lazio – Elseid Hysaj Rues Superb Start | OneFootball

Lazio prevailed over their hosts Empoli, thanks to Boulaye Dia’s first-minute strike, but it was far from an impressive display from Marco Baroni’s band. The Biancocelesti had a numerical advantage following Lorenzo Colombo’s dismissal at the end of the first half, but hardly they capitalized on it.

Elseid Hysaj followed suit at the 75th minute after collecting two yellows, but Lazio held on to secure a vital 1-0 win over the struggling Tuscans. So here are our player ratings for the Aquile stars.

Lazio (4-2-3-1)

Christos Mandas – 6

The Greek goalkeeper didn’t have an awful lot to do at the Castellani, with Empoli failing to test him. Had a scary moment early on following a head collision with Colombo.

Elseid Hysaj – 5.5

The Albanian full-back began his outing by producing an assist for Dia’s winner thanks to a sublime cross. However, he allowed himself to earn successive yellow cards for avoidable challenges which ended his match early.

Samuel Gigot – 6.5

The Frenchman looked solid at the back, especially in aerial duels. A quiet day in the office.

Alessio Romagnoli – 6

Like Gigot, the former Milan captain didn’t encounter too many problems at the back, albeit the ball bounced off his knee just before Empoli’s disallowed goal.

Luca Pellegrini – 6

The Italian threatened with his trademark crosses down the left flank, but wasn’t as dangerous as his previous outings.

Matteo Guendouzi – 6

The Frenchman was excellent at retrieving the ball, but couldn’t pose a threat in the final third.

Nicolo Rovella – 6

A lukewarm performance from the Italian Regista, even though he instigated the play that culminated in the winner. He couldn’t quite boss the midfield as he usually does.

Adam Marusic – 5.5

The Montenegrin full-back was once again fielded as a right winger, and he had a limited impact in the final third. He was unexpectedly hauled off for Gustav Iskasen at half-time.

Boulaye Dia – 7

If it wasn’t for his first-minute strike, this may have been a listless display from the Senegalese. Nevertheless, he kept his composure to keep the goalkepeer, and his goal was worth three vital points.

Mattia Zaccagni – 5.5

A quiet display from the Lazio captain who wasn’t at his most dynamic self.

Taty Castellanos – 6

The Argentine picked up Hysaj on the opener after a clever movement and a fabulous pass across the pitch. He had a chance to score in the second half, but couldn’t hit the target.

Substitutes

Gustav Iskasen – 5.5

The Dane had little impact after replacing Marusic at the interval. Should have buried the ball in the net in the final minute when he found himself one-on-one with Devis Vazquez.

Matias Vecino – 6

A decent outing from the experienced Uruguayan who added some depth to the middle of the park.

Mario Gila – 6

The Spaniard played as a right-back following Hysaj’s dismissal, and did fairly well.

Pedro – 6

The veteran had his moments, but couldn’t convert his chance to goal.

Pliver Provstgaard – N/A