Game 22, Serie A
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Stadio Gewiss, Bergamo
Atalanta Lazio 3-1
Atalanta dominated Lazio in every aspect of the game. The Biancocelesti did very little and only began playing decently towards the end of the game.
The team
Without Mattia Zaccagni, injured, and Danilo Cataldi, suspended, Maurizio Sarri opted for Felipe Anderson on the left wing and Taty Castellanos centre forward. An off form Luis Alberto, despite the risks involved, was chosen at midfield.
First half
After 30 seconds Lazio had a chance. Splendid pass from Luis Alberto to Felipe Anderson who found himself in front of Marco Carnesecchi but his control of the ball was not good and he was anticipated by the goalkeeper. This would be the only time the Biancocelesti were dangerous in the first half.
In the 15th minute, Aleksej Miranchuk, off a free kick, crossed into the box, Sead Kolasinac headed the ball from close range, Ivan Provedel was exceptional in his save. A minute later Charles De Ketelaere, unmarked, was free to cross from the left, Giorgio Scalvini headed the ball to Mario Pasalic who, surrounded by Lazio defenders, managed to control the ball with his chest and volley it past Provedel for the 1-0.
Nothing much happened until the 42nd minute. On a corner for Atalanta an Emil Holm header was accidentally handballed by Adam Marusic. Penalty for the Bergamaschi and De Ketelaere made it two. The hosts almost scored again in injury time when, from a free kick, Holm headed just over the crossbar.
Second half
In the interval Sarri decided to make amends and took off Manuel Lazzari and Mario Gila and in came Luca Pellegrini and Nicolò Casale.
Lazio’s second chance of the game arrived in the 52nd minute when Gustav Isaksen’s volley went slightly too high, following a Felipe Anderson shot walled by the Atalanta defence. Miranchuck had a great opportunity in the 61st minute after a low cross from the left from Pasalic. All alone in between Alessio Romagnoli and Casale, his shot was too central and saved by Provedel.
Further substitutions followed: former West Ham Gianluca Scamacca and Hans Hateboer in for Miranchuck and Holm. For Lazio, Ciro Immobile and Pedro substituted Castellanos and Isaksen, a few minutes later Matias Vecino took the place of Luis Alberto.
In the 76th minute De Ketelaere on the right entered the box while Pellegrini was marking him at a distance. He surprised Provedel with a shot on the front post, 3-0 for Atalanta.
Gian Piero Gasperini at this point decided to rest De Ketelaere and Pasalic and in came Luis Muriel and Rafael Toloi. In injury time Leaonardo Mendicino substituted Ederson.
In the 84th minute Berat Djimsiti fouled Immobile in the box. Penalty for Lazio and King Ciro scored his fifth of the season. The Biancocelesti were dangerous again in the 90th minute when an Immobile header off a Pedro cross shaved the post.
Disastrous game from Lazio, totally outplayed by Atalanta. This time Sarri is also to blame. Against an on-form Atalanta the choice of Luis Alberto seemed suicidal. It was. And Lazzari on the right needs Felipe Anderson to back him up, otherwise it is a field day for the opponents because Isaksen does not help much defensively. And that is what happened.
Who played for Atalanta
Carnesecchi, Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac, Holm (64' Hateboer), De Roon, Ederson (90'+1' Mendicino), Ruggeri, Pasalic (79' Toloi); De Ketelaere (79' Muriel), Miranchuk (64' Scamacca).
Substitutes: Musso, Rossi, Toure, Bakker, Bonfanti, Zappacosta.
Manager: Gasperini.
Who played for Lazio
Provedel, Lazzari (46' Pellegrini), Gila (46' Casale), Romagnoli, Marusic, Guendouzi, Rovella, Luis Alberto (69' Vecino), Isaksen (64' Pedro), Castellanos (64' Immobile), Felipe Anderson.
Substitutes: Sepe, Mandas, Kamada, Kamenovic, Hysaj, Sana Fernandes.
Manager: Sarri
Referee: Guida
Goals: 6' Pasalic, 43' De Ketelaere (pen), 77' De Ketelaere, 84' Immobile (pen)
Booked: Pasalic (A), Felipe Anderson (L), Luis Alberto (L), Rovella (L), Ederson (A)
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