Lazio Held by Spirited Spartak Trnava in Tense Cup Encounter

Simon Basten
Mar 22, 2024
3 min read

Season 1966-67

Mitropa Cup, Quarter Final, First Leg

Wednesday, March 22, 1967

Stadio Flaminio, Rome

Lazio Spartak Trnava 1-1

Bagatti’s Close-Range Finish Cancelled Out by Adamec’s Stunning Thirty-Metre Volley as Czechoslovaks Impress in Rome

In the Round of 16 of the Mitropa Cup the Biancocelesti had eliminated Red Star Belgrade 4-2 on aggregate. They now faced Spartak Trnava, the Czechoslovak side who, surprisingly and for the first time in their history, were leading their domestic league. The visitors, coached by former star Anton Malatinsky, fielded three internationals (Jaroslav Kravarik, Ladislav Kuna and Dusan Kabat) as well as a young forward, Jozsef Adamec, who with 13 goals in 15 matches was the top scorer in his homeland.

In a week that began with major developments at boardroom level — with Extraordinary Commissioner Umberto Lenzini appointed liquidator of the Football Section and at the same time the leading figure of the newly formed Lazio S.p.A. — Wednesday’s Cup fixture offered a match of great interest.

On the eve of the match, Lenzini asked the players for a display of pride following the ill-fated league trip to Ferrara, and captain Pierluigi Pagni, speaking on behalf of his teammates, promised maximum commitment.

The match

Coach Maino Neri, given the serious injury suffered by Diego Zanetti — a fracture of the right fibula — turned to the young Giovanni Masiello. He reinstated Idilio Cei in goal, absent in the previous three matches, and deployed Sergio Castelletti in the sweeper role.

In the opening stages Spartak immediately made a strong impression. Without a fixed sweeper, the visitors set up in a zonal system, moving like an accordion with incredible continuity. What most astonished Lazio supporters and the press was their courage in shooting — everyone attempting efforts from every possible position.

After some early discomfort, Lazio began to show themselves. Following an attempt by Romano Bagatti, in the 10th minute Giancarlo Morrone combined with Vito D’Amato, whose shot was parried in diving fashion by Josef Geryk.

In the 24th minute a lapse by Arrigo Dolso almost allowed Adam Farkas in on goal. Shortly afterward, following a dangerous effort by D’Amato that forced Geryk into a difficult save, the visitors were extremely threatening with two fierce strikes — one from full-back Jaroslav Kravarik and the other from midfielder Antono Hrusecky — both requiring Cei to produce the very best of his repertoire.

Early in the second half another “rocket” from Dusan Kabat caused anxious moments, but it was Lazio who took the lead. In the 55th minute Paolo Carosi played the ball to Dolso, whose cross from the left found D’Amato. He produced a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper; right on the goal line Bagatti applied the finishing touch.

Seven minutes later Spartak equalised. Jozsef Adamec unleashed a formidable volley from thirty metres that struck the inside of the post and flew into the net, leaving Cei with no chance whatsoever.

The Czechoslovakians continued to press and earned a large number of corners, but apart from one late opportunity involving Adam Farkas, they were unable to create any further clear-cut chances.

Who played for Lazio

Cei, Masiello, Adorni, Carosi, Pagni, Castelletti, D'Amato, Burlando, Morrone, Dolso, Bagatti