Luis Alberto turns on the light

Simon Basten

Feb 27, 2023

3 min read

2022-23 Season

Game 24, Serie A

Monday, February 27, 2023

Previous Match Next

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Lazio Sampdoria 1-0

Despite having numerous chances to score, Lazio need a Luis Alberto gem to beat struggling Sampdoria

The team

Maurizio Sarri had the entire team available though some in better form than others. He decided to play with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in midfield, Manuel Lazzari at right back and Pedro, with a mask after his nose had been broken in the previous match, in attack. On the bench for a taste of the game, Mattia Zaccagni and Alessio Romagnoli.

The match

Lazio started strongly but Sampdoria defended very well creating density at the back and making it difficult for Lazio to create chances. Adding to the equation was the bad form of Milinkovic-Savic, who made quite a number of bad passes. Sarri though had stressed that the Serb had lost four kilos in four days due to stomach flu, so one couldn't really expect him at 100%.

The first chance arrived in the 21st minute. Luis Alberto’s corner was headed by Milinkovic-Savic towards Ciro Immobile. King Ciro tried to volley it in but he kicked against his hand. In the 29th minute Sampdoria had a chance. One-two Tommaso Augello - Sam Lammers, ball to Manolo Gabbiadini who opened up to the upcoming Mickael Cuisance on the right. The Frenchman went into the box and shot, Adam Marusic managed to send the ball into corner.

In the 36th minute Pedro was "romantically" hugged by Alessandro Zanoli on the edge of the penalty box. It looked like a penalty but not for the referee.

Five minutes later, Felipe Anderson shot from outside the box. The shot was central but Emil Audero fumbled, Pedro was the fastest towards the ball and from almost the goal line on the right tried a shot but he hit the woodwork. The ball travelled to the other side to Immobile who, from a very difficult position, shot too high.

Second half

Lazio did their utmost in the beginning of the second half to get Sampdoria to score. First in the 52nd minute, Tomas Rincon tried a long pass forward to Meddi Leris, Marusic intercepted but headed the ball to Gabbiadini on the edge of the area but his shot was comfortably saved by Ivan Provedel. A minute later Lammers crossed towards the centre from the right, Gabbiadini tried to anticipate everybody but his header was wide. In the 56th minute Harry Winks crossed towards the box, Lammers was in a good position but his header was again saved by Provedel without too much trouble.

Sarri had had enough and in the 57th minute in came Matias Vecino and Zaccagni for Danilo Cataldi and Pedro.

Colossal chance for Lazio in the 60th minute. Zaccagni made a long pass to Marusic in the box on the left. The Lazio left back ran towards the ball, beat Zanoli to it and chipped it for Immobile unmarked. King Ciro again shot too high. There was not much luck for Ciro at the Olimpico in the last couple of games.

In the 68th minute Marusic flew down the left wing and passed to Immobile who let the ball go under his legs for Milinkovic-Savic. The Serb gave it back to Marusic who did not connect well with the ball and he sent it wide. In the 74th minute Luis Alberto from the centre-left crossed into the box, Bruno Amione cleared, ball to Felipe Anderson whose volley was well saved by Audero.

In the 80th minute, Felipe Anderson crossed into the box, Bram Nuytink cleared but it fell perfectly for Luis Alberto who ran towards the ball and from twenty metres kicked it into the top right hand corner. A magnificent goal and Lazio finally broke the stalemate.

Lazio fell back to defend the 1-0, Sampdoria did not have the strength to equalise. Game over. Not a great match from Lazio but three more points, thanks to Luis Alberto.

Who played for Lazio

Provedel, Lazzari (85' Hysaj), Casale, Patric, Marusic, Milinkovic-Savic (85' Basic), Cataldi (57' Vecino), Luis Alberto, Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Pedro (57' Zaccagni)