Lazio 3-2 Genoa: Cataldi’s Last-Gasp Penalty Settles Chaotic Affair | OneFootball

Despite squandering a two-goal lead, Lazio somehow managed to beat Genoa at the almost empty Stadio Olimpico due to a fan protest.

Lazio Starting Lineup

Maurizio Sarri opted for some interesting selections, deciding to give Daniel Maldini his full debut. The versatile Italian attacker led the line, while Pedro replaced Mattia Zaccagn,i who picked up a matchday knock. Gustav Isaksen reclaimed his starting berth on the right wing at Matteo Cancellieri’s expense.

Danilo Cataldi operated as a deep-lying playmaker between Kenneth Taylor and Toma Basic, while Oliver Provstgaard filled in for the rebelling Alessio Romagnoli, joining Adam Marusic, Mario Gila and Luca Pellegrini in the backline.

Cagey First Half

Neither side was willing to take too many risks in the first half. In fact, we had to wait more than half an hour to witness the first real chance of the match. Ruslan Malinovskyi picked up Vitinha with a clever long ball that evaded the entire Lazio backline, but Ivan Provedel made a timely exit and made himself big, blocking the Portuguese striker’s diving header.

Afterwards, the Biancocelesti had a good spell, beginning with a sublime cross from Maldini that found Marusic, but the latter’s header went over the woodwork. The Lazio debutant almost troubled Justin Bijlow with a deflected ball, but the Dutch goalkeeper was able to parry it away to keep the score goalless before the interval.

Lazio Score Twice

Following a listless first period, the match came to life after the break, and it all stemmed from a penalty-kick awarded to Lazio due to a handball on Aaron Martin. The referee took his time on the monitor before making up his mind, but Pedro never flinched before converting from the spot.

Pedro (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The Biancocelesti then doubled their lead through Taylor, who broke the Lazio duck. Isaksen played an instrumental role as he gave chase to Provedel’s long ball, warded off Martin, and then laid it back to the Dutchman, who came storming into the box, before sending a low shot towards the far corner.

Genoa Claw Back

While Lazio thought they had the three points wrapped up, the visitors pulled off a remarkable comeback. A clear handball on Gila allowed Malinovskyi to halve the deficit from the penalty spot, although Provedel had a fingertip on it.

The Ukrainian then stunned the Italian goalkeeper with a direct corner kick that hit the post, while Vitinha was in the right place to pounce on the rebound and equalize the score.

Danilo Cataldi Wins it for Lazio

Despite having all the momentum, Genoa never genuinely pursued a winner, but it was Lazio who retook the initiative. The hosts’ pressure paid off, as the VAR spotted a handball on Leo Ostigard, which prompted a third spot-kick in the second half. Cataldi kept his cool to find the bottom corner with a precise delivery that just evaded Bijlow, who guessed it right.

When the final whistle blew, the Lazio players certainly wished they could have celebrated this hectic victory with a packed stadium.

Lazio 3-2 Genoa

Goalscorers: 56′ Pedro (L), 62′ Taylor, 68′ Malinovskyi pen (G), 75′ Vitinha (G), 90’+10′ Cataldi pen (L).

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Pellegrini (Tavares 80′); Taylor (Dele-Bashiru 80′), Cataldi, Basic; Isaksen (Noslin 87′), Maldini (Ratkov 73′), Pedro (Cancellieri 73′).

Genoa (3-5-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi (87′ Masini), Frendrup, Ellertsson, Martin; Colombo (80′ Ekuban), Vitinha (80′ Cornet).

Referee: Luca Zufferli (Udine section), Linesmen: L. Rossi – Zingarelli, 4th official: Dionisi, VAR: Camplone, AVAR: Guida.

Yellow cards: 64′ Malinovskyi (G), 68′ Provedel (L), 72′ Ostigaard (G), 74′ Pellegrini (L), 90’+2′ Norton-Cuffy (G).