Good comeback point in Bologna

Dag Jenkins
May 3, 2024
3 min read

Season 1941-42

Game 24, Serie A

Sunday, May 3, 1942

Stadio Littoriale, Bologna

Bologna-Lazio 2-2

Lazio come back from two goals down against the reigning champions to earn a draw.

Lazio were currently 5th on 25 points. The Biancocelesti had won 9 (including Bologna 5-1), drawn 7 and lost 7 (including derby 1-2). A week earlier they had beaten Napoli 1-0 at home.

Bologna were reigning champions. They were currently in joint 8th place, on 23 points with Triestina. The Felsinei had won 10 (including Milano 3-1 and Juventus 2-0 at home), drawn 3 and lost 10. A week earlier the Rossoblu had lost 1-2 away to Sampierdarenese.

A balanced game was expected today. Bologna were champions but two points behind the Romans in the table.

The match

A sunny day in Bologna with a slight breeze saw just under 10,000 spectators at the Littoriale.

Lazio had important absences in midfielder Luciano Ramella and striker Silvio Piola, plus Uber Gradella was playing but had a temperature. Bologna were missing forward Bruno Arcari.

The Rossoblu started with the wind behind them and attacked. Amedeo Biavati was particularly active and sent several inviting crosses into the area.

In the 17th minute they took the lead. Italo Romagnoli cleared a first effort then Hector (or Ettore) Puricelli volleyed an assist to Carlo Reguzzoni who scored from close range. Bologna 1 Lazio 0.

Two minutes later the hosts doubled their lead. Michele Andreolo scored with a powerful free kick to make it 2-0.

Lazio were not disheartened and hit back. In the 27th minute they were unlucky and the woodwork denied them a goal.

Lazio now attacked more but Bologna had chances too as when Gradella had to pull off a brilliant save on a Puricelli header.

In the 42nd minute Lazio pulled a goal back. Giuseppe Baldo teed up Silvestro Pisa who beat Pietro Ferrari from close range. Bologna 2 Lazio 1 at half time.

In the second half both keepers proved to be on top form, both denying further scores by the forwards.

In the 63rd minute Salvador Gualtieri was one-on-one with the keeper but Ferrari saved again.

A minute later however he capitulated but only on a penalty. Dino Fiorini handballed and Baldo made no mistake with the spot kick. Bologna 2 Lazio 2.

The rest of the game saw both sides trying to win it with chances each but the keepers were safe. The best save came from Gradella on a spectacular volley by Andreolo. Final score 2-2.

A fair result in the end after an entertaining game. Bologna were no longer the Scudetto winning team but it was still a good result for Lazio. Despite their absences, Gradella's health (but he had a great game) and being 0-2 down, Lazio had come away with a point.

Lazio were still 5th while Bologna were still joint 8th with Triestina.

Who played for Bologna

Ferrari, Fiorini, Pagotto, Malagoli, Andreolo, Marchese, Biavati, Sansone, Puricelli, Nardi, Reguzzoni

Manager: Felsner

Who played for Lazio

Gradella, Romagnoli II, Monza II, Fazio, Borici, Ferri, Baldo, Pisa I, Gualtieri, Flamini, Puccinelli