No final fireworks

Season 1959-60

Game 34, Serie A

Sunday, June 5, 1960

Stadio Giuseppe Moccagatta, Alessandria

Alessandria Lazio 0-0

A game between two teams without motivation ends goalless

Source Museo Grigio

Lazio had got off to a satisfactory start in the league and had earned two 1-1 away draws (Bologna and Inter) and beaten Udinese and Vicenza, both 2-1 at home. Then, the problems started with two defeats, the derby 0-3 and Juventus 0-2 at home. Since then, Lazio had won 7 (including Alessandria 2-0 at home), drawn 9 and lost 11 (including both derbies). The Biancocelesti were currently joint 12th, with Udinese, Napoli and Bari, on 29 points, three above Palermo in the last relegation position and so finally safe after being involved in the relegation battle all season. Five of these wins had come in the last ten games including Padova 2-0 at home a week earlier.

Alessandria had been relegated the previous week by losing 2-3 at home to Inter. The Grey Bears had previously won 5, drawn 14 and lost 13 (including Juventus 0-7 away). They were 17th on 24 points (-3 from Udinese 15th in the last safety slot) but today was the last game.

A game with not a lot to say today. Lazio had already reached their objective while Alessandria were already goners.

The match

Only 2,000 spectators turned up on a sunny day to see Alessandria's farewell to Serie A.

Lazio were missing many players; goalkeeper Idilio Cei, defender Giovanni Molino, midfielder Bruno Franzini plus forwards Maurilio Prini and Orlando Rozzoni.

Alessandria left out promising youngster Gianni Rivera who was rumoured to be near a move to A.C Milan. The 16-year-old had scored 6 goals in 25 league games this season.

Lazio started on the front foot and in the 6th minute Ugo Pozzan hit a crossbar.

The game was understandably more similar to a friendly. In the 20th minute Tullio Oldoni struck a good mid-range effort but Bob Lovati saved behind for a corner.

Soon after Juan Carlos Tacchi's mobility was limited by a muscular strain and Lazio definitely took control. Pozzan lost the moment and then hit his shot too centrally, the keeper saved again on a more dangerous Oliviero Visentin effort and then Claudio Bizzarri fired just wide. Halftime 0-0. Lazio on top but lacking the killer instinct.

In the second half Lazio had two more favourable chances with Visentin but the forward from near Treviso was unable to finish them off.

The hosts had a rare foray up front in the 61st minute when Romano Forin tried his luck from 25 metres out but Lovati did well to save.

Lazio then gradually faded and the home side looked to have more energy. They had shots by Oldani and Forin but both just off target.

The last opportunity however was for the Romans with a freekick. Specialist Franco Carradori stepped up but keeper Ideo Stefani guessed the direction and blocked. Final score Alessandria 0 Lazio 0.

A predictably dull game ended a sad season for Alessandria and a disappointing one for Lazio.

The few fans in attendance booed their players off. They would never see Serie A football again in the town named after Pope Alexander III in 1168.

Who played for Alessandria

Stefani, Raimondi, Giacomazzi, Snidero, Schiavone, Girardo, Oldani, Forin, Maccacaro, Moriggi, Tacchi

Manager: Pedroni

Who played for Lazio

Lovati, Lo Buono, Del Gratta, Carosi, Janich, Fumagalli, Bizzarri, Carradori, Visentin, Pozzan, Mattei

Manager: Bernardini

Referee: Ferrari

Sources

Lazio Wiki