Koeman's day but Lazio impress

Dag Jenkins
Aug 8, 2022
3 min read

Season 1997-98

Pre Season Friendly

Saturday, August 9, 1997

De Kuip Stadium, Rotterdam

Feyenoord Lazio 2-2

Ronald Koeman plays last ever game while the Biancocelesti get down to business and get a positive 2-2 draw

This was Lazio's 7th summer friendly: Fassa Calcio 14-0, Trento 6-0, Venezia 2-2, Olympiakos 3-2, Gremio 2-0 (45 minutes) and Fiorentina 1-1 (45 minutes).

The Serie A would start on August 31 (Napoli at home) while the Coppa Italia would get going on September 3 (first away leg at Fidelis Andria). Lazio's European debut would be on September 16 (away leg at Vitória Guimarães).

The match

A good crowd turned up for this friendly and it was not only to see Lazio, legendary defender Ronald Koeman was retiring and this was his last match. Johan Cruijff and Marco Van Basten were among the many former coaches and teammates present to show their appreciation for the Dutch defender's great career.

An emotional occasion but also a prestigious European clash between two ambitious teams.

Lazio went for a strong line-up but with Beppe Signori on the bench.

Lazio started the game well and with authority. In the 10th minute Vladimir Jugovic, set up by Alen Boksic, shaved the post with a right-footed effort. A few minutes later it was Jugovic again who put in a dangerous shot cum cross which was slapped away by Jerzy Dudek. The Polish keeper then just anticipated Gigi Casiraghi from heading in from a Roberto Mancini cross.

Lazio were in control and it was only in the 22nd minute that "De club van det volk" (The people's club) had their first shot at goal with Kees Van Wonderen.

In the 41st minute both sides made a substitution, for the hosts Korneen came on for Van Bronckhorst while for Lazio Beppe Signori replaced a positive but already booked and irritable Boksic.

In the 42nd minute Koeman went off to a standing ovation from the entire stadium. An end to a career which included, a European Championship with Holland, 8 league titles (Ajax 1, PSV 3, Barcelona 4), 4 domestic cups (Ajax 1, PSV 2, Barcelona 1), 2 Champions Leagues (PSV 1, Barcelona 1 with winning goal in final), 3 domestic Super Cups (Barcelona 3) and a UEFA Super Cup (Barcelona).

At halftime Lazio replaced Diego Fuser with Pavel Nedved.

The second half started with a bang and two penalties. In the 48th minute Matías Almeyda fouled Pablo Sanchez and Julio Cruz scored the spot kick while only a minute later Bernard Schuiteman pulled down Casiraghi and specialist Signori made no mistake, 1-1.

On the hour mark Lazio made another three changes and for some minutes the Biancocelesti seemed in confusion.

The Rotterdammers took advantage and in the 62nd minute went in front. The defence had problems clearing and Paul Bosvelt drilled home and beat Luca Marchegiani, 2-1.

The lead again did not last long. Nedved on the left saw Jugovic making a run into the middle and found the Serb unmarked with a perfect cross which he headed low into the corner, 2-2.

Five more substitutions followed for Lazio and one more for Feyenoord.

The game however continued to be entertaining and it was Lazio who went closest to winning it.

Dudek twice denied Signori and then pulled off a brilliant save on a solo Nedved move and shot.

Lazio finished strongly but the score line did not change again. Final result: Feyenoord 2 Lazio 2.

A good training game for Lazio against a competitive European side on an emotional evening. Almeyda and Jugovic had impressed in particular and looked like excellent additions to Lazio's midfield for the upcoming season.

Who played for Feyenoord

Dudek, Boateng, Koeman (42' Bosvelt), Graff, Van Wonderen, Connoly, Van Bronckhorst (41' Korneen), Fraeser, Van Gastel (78' Paciorek), Cruz, Sanchez

Manager: Haan

Who played for Lazio

Marchegiani, Pancaro (59' Negro), Nesta (78' Gottardi), Lopez (78' Grandoni), Chamot (59' Favalli), Fuser (46' Nedved), Almeyda (66' Venturin), Jugovic (78' Buso), Mancini (78' Marcolin), Casiraghi (59' Rambaudi), Boksic (41' Signori)