Governato offers guidance
Game 2, Serie B
Sunday, September 17, 1967
Stadio Gino Alfonso Sada, Monza
Monza-Lazio 1-1
Lazio suffer for an hour but then hit back and take a point with a goal by "Il Professore"
Lazio had drawn 1-1 at home to Potenza on their debut. A disappointing start especially as the Rossoblu had equalised in the 90th minute.
The Biancocelesti had qualified for the 2nd round of the Coppa Italia. On September 3 they had drawn 0-0 at home to Perugia but were rewarded by the toss of the coin (no penalties yet in those days).
Monza had drawn 0-0 at Verona on their debut.
They had also played the first round of the Coppa Italia beating Novara 4-2 at home.
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Not an easy match for Lazio. They were not particularly on form yet and they faced a newly promoted side on their home league debut.
The match
A bright and sunny day in Brianza brought just under 15,000 to the small ground named after the Monza president of the 1950s and early 60s.
Lazio were without several players; defender Pietro Adorni, midfielders Arrigo Dolso and Giuseppe Massa plus forward Costantino Fava. A consolation to Renato Gei was the return of midfielder Paolo Carosi.
The hosts were missing midfielder Enrico Prato and forward Aldo Strada.
Lazio started the game in nightmarish fashion and after only three minutes they were trailing. Francesco Curatoli sent a free kick into the area where the Lazio defence watched as Claudio Sala headed past Idilio Cei, 1-0.
Monza's pace and style reminded Lazio of what to expect in Serie B, very fast and physical with little time for fancy football.
Lazio were in difficulty, however in the 19th minute went close with Juan Carlos Morrone but his effort was saved well by Santino Ciceri.
In the 20th minute the Biancorossi had a huge chance. Guido Vivarelli set up Franco Donadelli who had only the keeper to beat but Cei rushed off his line and with perfect timing avoided the danger.
In the 37th minute Claudio Sala produced a moment of brilliance as he weaved his way past four opponents but then finished weakly.
Lazio only reappeared up front just before the break but Piero Cucchi shot too centrally. Half time 1-0.
A deserved lead for the "Bagaj" who had played with more energy and intensity.
The second half started as the first had finished with Monza more dangerous. Vivarelli had a one-on-one with Cei but his poor shot missed the target.
The scare seemed to liven Lazio up. The Biancocelesti had a penalty appeal for a foul on Morrone but Barbaresco waved it away. A few minutes later, in the 60th minute, Bruno Gioia had a shot shave the crossbar.
Lazio were growing and in the 66th minute they equalised. Pierluigi Ronzon started the move, Cucchi hit a perfectly dosed through ball to Nello Governato who beat Giancarlo Beltrami and struck a precise low shot to Ciceri's right, 1-1.
Lazio were galvanised and now controlled the game. They believed in a complete turnaround and pushed forward.
Lazio's biggest chances came in the 77th minute with a Morrone volley and in the 82nd when Giuliano Fortunato was denied by a superb Ciceri save.
Lazio tried to win until the end but in the end settled for a decent point. Monza was a difficult place to go so an away point after a problematic first hour was satisfactory.
The pace and physicality of the game also should accustom Lazio to the sort of battles that awaited them on the road this season.
Monza had the upperhand for about 60 minutes but as soon as their energy levels dropped then Lazio's superior quality emerged.
Who played for Monza
Ciceri, Perego, Magaraggia, Ferrero, Fontana, Beltrami, Vivarelli, Maldera, Donadelli, C.Sala, Curatoli
Substitute: Fattori
Manager: Radice
Who played for Lazio
Substitute: Di Vincenzo
Manager: Gei
Referee: Barbaresco
Goals: 3' C.Sala, 66' Governato
Sources
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