Gazza and Beppe-Gol back and kicking

Dag Jenkins
Apr 9, 2024
4 min read

Season 1994-95

Game 26, Serie A

Sunday, April 9, 1995

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Lazio-Reggiana 2-0

The two stars return and help Lazio beat lowly Reggiana

So far Lazio had been somewhat inconsistent, capable of emphatic and spectacular victories (Napoli and Padova 5-1, Foggia 7-1, Milan 4-0, Fiorentina 8-2) but also disappointing defeats (Roma 3-0, Sampdoria 3-1 away, Bari at home 2-1). After 25 matches the Biancocelesti had won 12, drawn 5 and lost 8, so had 34 points and were 5th. This of course being the first season awarding three points for a victory. A week earlier Lazio had drawn 0-0 away to Cremonese.

Reggiana were currently 17th on 14 points and already practically doomed (14 from safety). The Granata had won 3, drawn 5 (including Lazio 0-0) and lost 17.

A must win game for Lazio today against a team without hope or motivation.

The match

A sunny day in the capital attracted just over 45,000 to the Olimpico.

Lazio were without defenders Cristiano Bergodi, Giuseppe Favalli and Roberto Cravero plus midfielders Diego Fuser and Aron Winter but welcomed back Paul Gascoigne and Beppe Signori. Gazza had last played over a year ago while the striker had been missing since February 28. The bald and exceptionally slim Englishman started while the Lombard was on the bench.

Reggiana had absences in defender Massimo Brambilla, midfielder Massimiliano Esposito and forward Michele Padovano but had Paolo Futre back after five months.

Not much happened in the first twenty minutes apart from a few nice touches and dribblings by Gazza.

The first real chance fell to Alen Boksic who freed himself well in the 20th minute but shot against the keeper.

In the 31st minute Futre showed the Granata what they had been missing with some neat skills and the ball deflected by Paolo Negro reached Nunzio Falco but his shot was walled by Giorgio Venturin.

In the 42nd minute Lazio had their biggest chance when Roberto Rambaudi had only the keeper to beat but managed to hit him. Half time Lazio 0 Reggiana 0.

Lazio came back on more determined and took the lead in the 54th minute. Roberto Di Matteo's through ball put Rambaudi in front of the keeper again but this time he went around him on the right and slotted the ball in, 1-0.

At this point Gigi Casiraghi went off and was replaced by the returning Signori who was welcomed by enthusiastic applause.

Signori had a shot in the 57th minute but it was deflected behind for a corner.

On the hour mark the visitors made their first change bringing on Portuguese forward Rui Águas for Falco.

Lazio seemed more relaxed and in control now. In the 64th minute a Boksic header was saved by Francesco Antonioli as was a Gazza freekick two minutes later. A minute later a Signori volley went just over the bar.

In the 72nd minute Lazio changed a defender bringing on Mauro Bonomi for Roberto Bacci.

In the same minute Gazza had a glorious chance on a Signori cross but the Geordie's touch lacked the necessary power.

The second goal came in the 76th minute. Rambaudi fed Signori who was challenged by popular former Lazio defender Angelo Gregucci but the blonde striker managed to let off a right-footed strike which went up into the roof of the net, 2-0.

Reggiana then took off 18-year-old forward Alex Taribello and replaced him with defender Gianfranco Parlato.

The game was won and Lazio could have increased their lead in the last minute but Signori's deflected effort hit the post. Final score Lazio 2 Reggiana 0.

A routine win for Lazio who had struggled a little in the first half but once they got the breakthrough never looked like relinquishing their lead.

A good three points and with the added positive news of Gazza and Signori's returns. The former Tottenham player had delighted the fans with some clever touches while the Italian had wasted no time in getting back on the scoresheet.

Lazio were still 5th on 44 points but now had a three-point cushion on 6th place (now Inter on 41 as Fiorentina had drawn 2-2 at Bari).

Reggiana were still 17th on 14 points (14 from safety, Foggia on 28). Not officially relegated but with eight games to go realistically their only objective was not to end up bottom (Brescia on 12).

Who played for Lazio

Marchegiani, Bacci (72' Bonomi), Nesta, Di Matteo, Negro, Chamot, Rambaudi, Venturin, Boksic, Gascoigne, Casiraghi (55' Signori)