Lazio superior but ineffective

Season 1978-79

Game 7, Serie A

Sunday, November 12, 1978

Stadio Olimpico, Rome 

Lazio Roma 0-0

Despite being clearly the better of the two teams, the Biancocelesti are unable to go beyond a goalless draw in the derby

Source Lazio WIki

In Serie A the Biancocelesti had started off well drawing at home with Juventus 2-2 and winning away with Avellino. Then they had drawn at home against Atalanta, lost heavily in Florence, beaten Paolo Rossi’s Vicenza 4-3 in a spectacular match and drawn at Ascoli. They were currently fifth.

Roma were in trouble, third from last, and had just changed manager. In had come Ferruccio Valcareggi, former Italy head coach who had led the Nazionale to the final of the 1970 World Cup, taking the place of Gustavo Giagnoni.

The match

Ticket owned by Dag Jenkins, photo by Dag Jenkins

Roma started well and in the second minute had a chance with Roberto Pruzzo who, on a Guido Ugolotti assist, found himself alone in the box with Lionello Manfredonia out of position. He could have shot immediately but decided to adjust the ball and when he did finally shoot the ball shaved the post.

Lazio replied immediately. In the 6th minute Bruno Giordano crossed low from the left, Roberto Badiani in the centre of the box in front of Paolo Conti kicked the ball to the stars. A massive opportunity.

In the 30th minute Renzo Garlaschelli to Vincenzo D’Amico who dribbled past Conti but went too wide and when he tried the shot he missed.

The rest of the first half was just boredom.

In the 47th minute Pruzzo to Loris Boni who went close to Massimo Cacciatori and was pushed from behind by Luigi Martini. The Roma player however exaggerated his theatrics and the ref was not impressed.

In the 63rd minute Garlaschelli to Giordano in the box but like Pruzzo in the first half he decided not to volley and by the time he did Conti was on him and managed to parry.

The final opportunity came in the 72nd minute with Mauro Tassotti whose shot, touched lightly by Conti, hit the woodwork.

A missed opportunity for Lazio as Roma were in great difficulty.

Who played for Lazio

Cacciatori, Tassotti, Martini, Wilson, Manfredonia, Cordova, Garlaschelli, Badiani, Giordano, Lopez, D’Amico (84’ Agostinelli)

Substitutes: Fantini, Ammoniaci

Manager: Lovati

Who played for Roma

Conti, Chinellato, Rocca, Boni, Spinosi, Santarini, Maggiora (68' De Nadai), Di Bartolomei, Pruzzo, Borelli, Ugolotti

Substitutes: Tancredi, Casaroli

Manager: Valcareggi

Referee: Barbaresco

Sources

Lazio Wiki