Back on track

Dag Jenkins
Jan 9, 2023
3 min read

Season 1982-83

Game 17, Serie B

Sunday, January 9, 1983

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Lazio Arezzo 2-0

After two draws Lazio win and stay top on their 83rd anniversary

In the league Lazio got off to a slow start (3 draws) but then started winning games (7 consecutive between 7th and 13th fixtures). Lazio had then drawn the big match against Milan 2-2 at home (Vincenzo D'Amico 90th minute equaliser) and drawn with Atalanta 1-1 away. Lazio were currently top of the table on 24 points, one ahead of Milan but it was time to get a win again.

Arezzo were doing reasonably well so far in Serie B. Il Cavallino had won 7, drawn 5 and lost 4. They were currently 6th on 19 points, just one behind the third promotion slot (Catania and Cremonese on 20).

Therefore, looking at the table this was a big match at the Olimpico. Lazio wanted to return to winning ways after three consecutive draws and consolidate their leadership. It was also January 9 so a special day for the club, 83 years old today.

The match

A sunny day in Rome attracted just under 35,000 to the Olimpico. Just before kick-off D'Amico was given an award for his 200th appearance in a Lazio jersey.

Lazio had to play without full-back Gabriele Podavini while Arezzo were missing midfielders Stefano Butti and Angelo Castronaro.

Lazio had the first chance but from a D'Amico corner Renato Miele just missed with a header.

Arezzo answered with a Domenico Neri right footed effort just over the crossbar.

Lazio then had shots by Enrico Vella and Bruno Giordano go wide.

In the 15th minute Giordano weaved his way into the area and was fouled by Fabrizio Innocenti. The referee trusted the defender's surname more than his challenge and waved to play on.

In the 29th minute Pasquale Traini set up by Adriano Malisan hit a low strike, but Fernando Orsi was safe.

In the 35th minute D'Amico and Giordano combined in a fine flying move but ultimately the striker was unable to finish it off. The fans applauded the quality of the build up anyway.

Lazio pushed on but the half came to an end goalless. The Biancocelesti were on top but not dominant.

Lazio broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. The Romans had a freekick at the edge of the area, Giordano took it and hit the post, but the referee decided it had to be taken again. For this second attempt D'Amico took over and placed a wonderful, curling strike in the top hand corner to Giuseppe Pellicanò's right, 1-0.

In the 68th minute the visitors made a change, bringing on midfielder Salvatore Barbieri for defender Emilio Doveri. Two minutes later Roberto Clagluna strangely took off a positive Roberto Tavola and replaced him with Michele De Nadai.

Lazio controlled the game without too much difficulty even if Orsi had to make a couple of saves on Trani.

In the 77th minute the Aquilotti again appealed for a penalty. D'Amico sent a through ball to Giordano who entered the area and was pulled down by Giuseppe Zandonà. A clear penalty but not for the only man who could decide as he strutted off as if nothing had happened.

Arezzo then had a penalty appeal of their own when Trani was sandwiched by two defenders near the byline but the referee continued his no penalty policy.

Fortunately, Lazio doubled their lead anyway. In the 87th minute on a counterattack D'Amico teed up Vella in the area and the moustached Genovese midfielder beat Pellicanò, 2-0.

The game was virtually over. Lazio then replaced Roberto Badiani with a purer defender Paolo Pochesci. Not that Lazio had anything to worry about at this point. Final score Lazio 2 Arezzo 0.

A routine win for Lazio although Arezzo had their chances. The Biancocelesti had not been brilliant, but the higher quality of their players had made the difference. Vincenzo D'Amico in particular had been excellent.

Lazio were top on 26 points, now two ahead of Milan who had drawn 1-1 at Lecce. Lazio had also increased their lead on 3rd place to five points (Catania, Cremonese and Como on 21).

Arezzo were now 7th on 19 points, overtaken by Como on 20.

Who played for Lazio

Orsi, Badiani (87' Pochesci), Saltarelli, Vella, Miele, Perrone, Ambu, Manfredonia, Giordano, D'Amico, Tavola (70' De Nadai)