Mattei’s Extra-Time Strike Sends Lazio into Semifinals
- Simon Basten
- Jun 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Quarter Final, Coppa Italia
Wednesday, June 8, 1960
Stadio Comunale, Bologna
Bologna Lazio 2-3 (aet)
Visentin heroics and a Pozzan penalty fuel thrilling extra-time victory over Bologna
In Coppa Italia Lazio started in the Round of 16 in November beating Palermo 2-1 with an Orlando Rozzoni brace after extra time. Now it was time for the quarter final away to Bologna.
The match
In a match packed with drama, tension, and relentless action, Lazio triumphed over Bologna in extra time to secure a place in the semi-finals, where they would face Juventus, the reigning Italian champions.
The contest began with tentative exchanges, but it was Oliviero Visentin who first threatened the Bologna goal in the 5th minute. Five minutes later, he rushed a promising chance wide. Bologna responded, with Sergio Campana almost converting a scramble in the Lazio box. The 17th minute saw a stunning save by Bob Lovati on a close-range effort from Ettore De Marco, and he followed it up moments later with a daring rush to deny Gino Pivatelli.
Both teams traded chances, with Clemente Mattei, Visentin, and Claudio Bizzarri keeping the match lively. The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when Visentin sprinted toward goal and was brought down by Battista Rota. Franco Carradori coolly converted the penalty, giving Lazio a 1-0 lead.
Bologna fought back immediately, creating several dangerous opportunities, but the first half ended with Lazio holding their slim advantage. The second half opened with a near miss from Campana, followed by a curling shot from Giovanni Molino that Anselmo Giorcelli could only parry. The Emiliani pressed relentlessly, but Lovati continued to make crucial stops.
Drama struck in the 76th minute when Franco Janich’s own goal allowed Bologna to equalise. Tempers flared six minutes later as a confrontation between Giacomo Bulgarelli and Carradori saw the Laziale receive a red card.
Despite being down to ten men, Lazio showed immense character. Bologna took the lead in the 84th minute through Antonio Renna, but Lazio refused to buckle. Three minutes from full time, Visentin was fouled in the box, and Ugo Pozzan converted the penalty to make it 2-2. Extra time beckoned.
Lazio’s resilience shone through. After tense minutes of end-to-end play, Mattei unleashed a decisive counterattack, his low 15-metre shot deflecting off Giorcelli and striking the post before nestling in the net. Tempers boiled over as Paolo Carosi was sent off after an altercation with De Marco.
Exhausted but unbowed, Lazio held on to claim a heroic victory. The win, powered by the tireless efforts of Visentin and the clinical penalties of Pozzan, secured a memorable semi-final clash against Juventus.
Who played for Bologna
Giorcelli, Rota, Marini, Tumburus, Mialich, Bulgarelli, Renna, De Marco, Pivatelli, Campana, Fascetti
Manager: Allasio
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Bernardini
Referee: Angelini
Goals: 38’ Carradori (pen), 76’ Janich (og), 84’ Renna, 87’ Pozzan (pen), 109’ Mattei
Sources
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