Morrone conquers Kyiv

Dag Jenkins
Jun 19, 2024
2 min read

Season 1963-64

Post Season Friendly

Friday, June 19, 1964

Olimpiyskyi Stadium, Kyiv

Dynamo Kyiv-Lazio 1-2

A solid defence and an inspired "Gaucho" give Lazio win behind the iron curtain

In Serie A Lazio finished a decent 8th in Serie A. The Biancocelesti won 9 (Milan 1-0 and Juventus 3-0 both away), drew 12 (including both derbies) and lost 13. The top scorers were Juan Carlos Morrone and Mario Maraschi with 5 league goals each (out of a mere 21).

After the league finished Lazio went on a tour to Ukraine (then Soviet Union) and Romania. Today was the first game of the tour, against Dynamo Kyiv. The manager was Bob Lovati.

Dynamo Kyiv were founded in 1927. They were originally the Soviet police team of Kyiv. By 1964 the Blue and Whites had won one league title in 1961, one Kubok SSR (Russian Cup) in 1954 and six RSS Ukraine (Ukraine Cups) in 1937, '38, '44, '46, '47 and '48.

In June 1964 they were in the middle of their domestic campaign in the top Russian flight. The Kyiv manager was highly influential Viktor Maslov.

The match

About 10,000 spectators turned up for this friendly.

Lazio played with their best possible XI.

The hosts started strongly and Lazio goalkeeper Idilio Cei was twice forced to make excellent saves to deny the Ukrainians.

The locals' pressure paid off in the 30th minute as they took the lead. On a long ball from defence Volodymyr Levchenko controlled the ball brilliantly, turned and beat the Italian keeper, 1-0.

Lazio did not change their cautious approach and the Soviets continued to attack. In the 45th minute the Romans' tactic was rewarded. Kyiv were unbalanced and Carlo Galli started a counter attack, Juan Carlos Morrone continued it and set up Graziano Landoni who let off a precise shot which beat Victor Bannikov, 1-1.

In the second half the Biancocelesti came back on with more confidence and took the game to the hosts.

In the 53rd minute Lazio went in front with the best player on the field, Morrone. The "Gaucho" picked up the ball just over the halfway line, beat an opponent and cut towards the middle where he suddenly darted forward beating two defenders, raced into the area and scored with a perfect cross goal shot, 1-2.

Dynamo Kiev tried to get back in the game but the Italians defensive organisation meant that despite heavy pressure they were unable to create particularly dangerous efforts.

It was still Morrone who still shone the brightest with his darting runs, dribblings and skills which even brought applause from the home fans.

A prestigious win for Lazio and a good start to their Eastern European tour.

Dynamo Kyiv - line-up not available

Who played for Lazio

Cei, Zanetti, Garbuglia, Governato (Carosi), Pagni, Gasperi, Maraschi, Landoni, Rozzoni, Galli, Morrone