Free-Scoring Alessio Romagnoli Drags Lazio to Europa League Quarter-Finals | OneFootball

Lazio booked their place in the Europa League quarter-final thanks to Alessio Romagnoli’s header which earned them a 3-2 win on aggregate over the courageous Viktoria Plzen.

Lazio Starting Lineup

Marco Baroni started with a 4-2-3-1 formation spearheaded by the returning Taty Castellanos, with Gustav Isaksen, Pedro and Mattia Zaccagni behind him. Matias Vecino replaced the suspended Nicolo Rovella in midfield, starting alongside Matteo Guendouzi, while Adam Marusic, Patric, Romagnoli and Nuno Tavares formed the backline.

Goalless First Half

Both sides had their chances in the first half, but Plzen came closer to scoring. A poor pass from Ivan Provedel allowed Matej Vydra to have a crack at goal, but he was denied by the crossbar. Pedro tried to put his name on the scoresheet, but Martin Jedlička was equal to it. In the end, the first half ended goalless, with the Biancocelesti preserving their slim lead on aggregate.

Pavel Sulc Put Plzen in the Lead

After the break, it didn’t take the Czech too long to shock the Stadio Olimpico with the opening goal of the contest. Lukas Kalvac sent a cross from the left side, and Rafiu Durosinmi managed to slip in between Patric and Romagnoli to set up a shot for Pavel Sulc who took his shot exceptionally well, leaving no chance for Provedel.

Alessio Romagnoli Makes It Three in Three

Nevertheless, Lazio managed to find the all-important equalizer that in the 77th minute, thanks to Romagnoli who consolidated his status as the man of the hour. Zaccagni’s corner kick was met by the defender’s header. The goalkeeper scrambled to keep out after hitting the post, but goal-line technology immediately confirmed the goal, prompting an euphoric reaction in the stands.

Historic Feat

Romagnoli has now become the second defender in Lazio history to score in both legs of a European double-encounter. He was only preceded by Roberto Cravero against Lokomotiv Plovdiv who achieved this feat in the first round of the UEFA Cup in 1993/94.

Lazio Reach Quarter Finals

Romagnoli’s goal perfectly summed up the double header, as Lazio did just enough to edge past Plzen despite two not-so-convincing displays. In the end, the 1-1 draw saw the Aquile fly to the quarter-finals thanks to their slim first-leg victory.

Lazio 1-1 Viktoria Plzen

Goals : 52′ Sulc (V), 77′ Romagnoli (L).

Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Marusic, Patric (79′ Gila), Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares (67′ Lazzari); Vecino, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Pedro (79′ Dele-Bashiru), Zaccagni; Castellanos (67′ Dia).

Viktoria Plzen (4-3-3): Jedlicka; Dweh, Markovic, Jemelka, Cadu (79′ Doski); Sulc, Kalvach, Cerv; Vydra (79′ Sojka), Durosinmi (71′ Prince), Memic.

Referee : Danny Makkelie (NED); Assistants: Hessel Steegstra (NED) – Jan de Vries (NED); 4th officer: Marc Nagtegaal (NED); VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED); AVAR: Erwin Blank (NED)

Yellow cards: 2′ Dweh (V), 4′ Marusic (L), 39′ Durosinmi (V), 69′ Vecino (L)