Giordano at the Double as Lazio Silence Avellino

Simon Basten
Oct 13, 2023
2 min read

Season 1978-79

Game 2, Serie A

Sunday, October 8, 1978

Stadio San Paolo, Naples

Avellino Lazio 1-3

Biancocelesti weather early storm to claim victory

The Biancocelesti had started off well drawing at home with Juventus 2-2. Today was the second game against newly promoted Avellino. It was played in Naples as their stadium was still not ready.

The match

The match began at a brisk pace, and in the 13th minute Lazio struck first. Luigi Martini was felled in the area by Moreno Roggi in a challenge that left the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Bruno Giordano stepped up and converted coolly from the spot.

The lead lasted barely four minutes. Lionello Manfredonia, pressed by Gianluca De Ponti, unleashed a superb strike into the top left corner, alas in the wrong goal, leaving Massimo Cacciatori rooted. The equaliser spurred Avellino on, and for much of the first half they were the more enterprising side, forcing Lazio to defend in depth.

After the break, the visitors began to assert themselves. In the 56th minute, Ciccio Cordova produced a dazzling solo run only to be denied by Ottorino Piotti’s quick reactions. Martini, enjoying a fine afternoon, continued to press the attack, while Vincenzo D’Amico struggled to make an impression.

Avellino replaced Ezio Galasso with Giancarlo Tacchi in the 57th minute, but the substitute’s early promise faded quickly, leaving Lazio with more freedom in midfield. The pressure told on 80 minutes when Cordova again slalomed through the defence, Piotti’s parry fell to Renzo Garlaschelli, who tucked away the rebound to restore the lead.

Barely a minute later, Giordano spurned an open goal, slicing wide with the net at his mercy. Yet the Trastevere born striker made amends in the 89th minute, finishing from close range after a move involving Martini and a pinpoint cross from Garlaschelli.

Who played for Avellino

Piotti, Reali, Boscolo, Piga, Cattaneo, Roggi, Massa, Galasso (57' Tacchi), De Ponti, Lombardi, Tosetto

Substitutes: Cavalieri, La Palma

Manager: Marchesi

Who played for Lazio

Cacciatori, Ammoniaci, Martini, Wilson, Manfredonia, Cordova, Garlaschelli, Lopez, Giordano, D’Amico, Badiani (30’ Ghedin)