Lazio 0-3 Como: Nico Paz Aggravates Aquile’s Wounds | OneFootball

Como completed the double over Lazio who produced their most miserable performance of the season in front of their disgusted supporters at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio Starting Lineup

Following a week-long public spat surrounding Maurizio Sarri and how familiar he was with Petar Ratkov prior to his arrival, the manager gave the Serbian striker his full debut, with Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Cancellieri flanking him.

In the absence of Toma Basic, Kenneth Taylor maintained his starting spot in midfield, alongside Danilo Cataldi and Reda Belahyane, while the backline remained intact, consisting of Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli and Luca Pellegrini.

Como Take Early Lead

It only took the visitors 90 seconds to break the deadlock in front of the shell-shocked Biancocelesti home supporters. Lucas Da Cunha picked up Alex Valle on the left wing with an accurate long ball. The Spanish left-back beat Marusic in the race and then cut it back to Martin Baturina, whose shot deflected off Romagnoli, wrong-footing the unlucky Ivan Provedel.

Nico Paz Makes It 2-0

Como continued to dominate possession, as they often do, and ended up doubling their lead thanks to their ultimate top star, Nico Paz. Baturina sent a vertical cross towards the mouth of the goal, causing a huge scramble. The ball eventually settled at the Paz’s feet, and the Real Madrid-bound star made no mistake with his execution.

Ivan Provedel Denies Paz from the Spot

The Lariani could have grabbed a third goal before the interval as the referee awarded them a spot-kick following an off-field review. Taylor was judged to have kicked Maxence Caqueret’s leg. However, Provedel guessed the direction of the ball and was able to deny Paz.

On the other end of the pitch, Lazio were finally able to forge a dangerous chance just before the half-time whistle, when Cancellieri sent a ball across the mouth of the goal, but Zaccagni took too long to apply the finishing touch, allowing Jean Butez to make himself big and block the shot.

Paz Completes His Brace in Style

While Lazio fans were counting on a second-half uprising, their hopes were swiftly dashed by Como’s third of the night. Valle played a squared ball to the box, and Baturina set up Paz with an astonishing backheel. The Spaniard finished off the breathtaking play with a top-notch curler that left Provedel with no chance.

Nico Paz and Nicolo Rovella (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The Lombardians almost added to their already comfortable lead, but Provedel did well to deny Da Cunha. On the other hand, Sarri’s changes didn’t pay off, as his men continued to hopelessly chase the ball while their visitors reigned supreme.

Como thus managed to complete the double over Lazio, this time beating them in Rome for the first time since 1952. This result leaves the Aquile 9th in the Serie A standings with 29 points.

Lazio 0-3 Como

Goalscorers: 2′ Baturina (C), 24′ and 49′ Nico Paz (C)

Lazio (4-3-3) : Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini (64′ Lazzari); Belahyane, Cataldi (53′ Rovella), Taylor (85′ Dele-Bashiru); Cancellieri (53′ Isaksen), Ratkov (53′ Noslin), Zaccagni. 

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic (46′ Posch), Diego Carlos, Ramon, Valle; Caqueret (65′ Sergi Roberto), Perrone; Nico Paz (80′ Kuhn), Da Cunha, Rodriguez (80′ Douvikas); Baturina (75′ Vojvoda).

Referee: Fabbri (Ravenna section); Linesmen: Perrotti – Cavallina; 4th Officia : Feliciani; VAR: Maggioni; AVAR: Maresca

Yellow cards: 21′ Zaccagni (L), 22′ Smolcic (C), 44′ Cataldi (L), 58′ Pellegrini (L), 75′ Posch (C), 86′ Valle (C)