Third consecutive victory for Lazio

Updated: 6 days ago

Season 2004-05

Game 26, Serie A

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Lazio Parma 2-0

Lazio continued their good form with a third consecutive victory, but it was by no means easy

In Serie A things did not go well. In 16 games Lazio won four, drew five and lost seven. They had 17 points, just four clear of relegation zone.

So, just before Christmas Lotito called another former player, Giuseppe Papadopulo, to manage Lazio in place of Domenico Caso. He was seen as more apt to guide the Biancocelesti to safety. The task was immediately uphill since the first game of the season was the derby, but Lazio amazingly won 3-1 and won in Florence in the next match, but that was followed by just one point in five games. The safety cushion had not changed on the eve of the game against Atalanta. But things were looking brighter after the win against the Bergamaschi and the away win with Chievo. Time to consolidate.

The match

Lazio started the game very well and had a chance in the 6th minute when Tommaso Rocchi crossed from the left and Fabio Bazzani headed the ball against the crossbar. Five minutes later Rocchi had another opportunity but his shot was well saved by Sebastian Frey. In the 19th minute Fabio Liverani sent the ball in the box with a long cross from almost the half way line. Bazzani headed the ball towards Rocchi but Bonera got there first … with his hand. The subsequent penalty was safely scored by Massimo Oddo.

Lazio were in control and Bazzani had another chance in the 23rd minute. Corner for Lazio, Liverani for the Lazio centre forward but his header was just slightly wide. In the 35th minute another header, this time by Emanuele Filippini following a Rocchi cross, was also wide.

Different ball game in the second half. Parma attacked, Lazio fell back and went on the defensive. In the 17th minute Mark Bresciano had a chance to equalise from a favourable position but was denied by a great save from Matteo Sereni. Four minutes later an Andrea Pisanu lob went just out. Alberto Gilardino then tried two bicycle shots. The first in the 24th minute was too high and the second a minute later was well saved by Sereni.

Parma attacked to the very end, but with one minute to go Lazio made it 2-0. Emanuele Filippini to Anthony Seric who was just over the half way line but unmarked and with nobody in front of him. The Croatian once in the box passed the ball to the upcoming Antonio Filippini who doubled for the Biancocelesti.

A difficult game, but a good win for Lazio.

Who played for Lazio

Sereni, Oddo, Siviglia, Giannichedda, Zauri (78’ Manfredini), A. Filippini, Liverani (87’ Pandev), Dabo, E. Filippini, Bazzani, Rocchi (68' Seric)