Lazio win their first game

Simon Basten

Aug 30, 2023

3 min read

Season 1970-71

Game 1, Group Stage, Coppa Italia

Sunday, August 30, 1970

Palermo Lazio 1-2

Stadio La Favorita, Palermo

Chinaglia and Massa score as Lazio overcome Palermo in difficult conditions

Today was the first game of the season in the Coppa Italia group stage. Lazio had been paired with Palermo, Roma and Catanzaro. The first match was in Sicily.

The match

Lazio made a winning start to their official away campaign, beating newly promoted Palermo 2–1 at the Favorita on Sunday, August 30. It was a particularly encouraging result given the difficult circumstances: temperatures above 30°C, a strong sirocco blowing across the pitch and a playing surface badly damaged after a music festival.

The Biancocelesti nevertheless controlled much of the match and, particularly in the final stages, looked the more dangerous side. Palermo's protests reached their peak two minutes from time when Gaetano Troja went down in the Lazio area after dribbling past several defenders, but referee Bianchi waved play on.

The conditions made it difficult for both teams from the outset. Lazio had the strong wind against them in the first half and struggled to play their passing game, while Palermo adopted an aggressive approach with three forwards.

The hosts created the first real opportunity in the 17th minute. Troja escaped down the left and crossed into the box, but Silvino Bercellino failed to take advantage.

Lazio responded four minutes later. Pierpaolo Manservisi was fouled and Ferruccio Mazzola delivered the resulting free kick into the penalty area. Giorgio Chinaglia controlled the ball on his chest before firing a low shot past Sergio Girardi to put the visitors ahead.

Lazio almost doubled their advantage three minutes later. A corner eventually reached Chinaglia, but the striker failed to make proper contact with the ball.

Palermo were given renewed confidence by the escape and equalised in the 26th minute. Troja again caused problems on the left, taking advantage of an error by Luigi Polentes before crossing into the area. Graziano Landoni had made a clever run between three Lazio defenders and met the cross with a first-time shot to make it 1–1.

The remainder of the half produced little. Spartaco Landini tested Michelangelo Sulfaro with a shot in the 28th minute, while Giancarlo Morrone appeared to have created another promising Lazio attack only for the referee to stop play for a foul.

Palermo came out aggressively after the interval, changing their marking assignments in an attempt to disrupt Lazio's midfield. The hosts had more of the initiative, but Lazio defended comfortably and were now helped by the wind.

The Biancocelesti gradually began to impose themselves and, after winning two corners in quick succession, regained the lead in the 55th minute.

Morrone and Giuseppe Massa combined to start the move, with Massa then opening the play out to Mazzola. The Lazio captain crossed towards Chinaglia, whose attempted shot was blocked by Ivan Bertuolo. The ball fell to Massa outside the area and the midfielder unleashed an unstoppable shot into the net.

Palermo were forced to chase the game, but Lazio controlled the situation well. Indeed, the visitors became increasingly dangerous as the match progressed and produced an excellent spell of attacking football during the final quarter of an hour.

In the 83rd minute, Chinaglia was unable to finish after receiving a pass from Mazzola because he was brought down by Antonio De Bellis. A minute later Mazzola was presented with another opportunity after a fine Lazio move, but his shot went wide. Chinaglia then went close again in the 85th minute.

Lazio appeared to have the match under control, but there was one final scare. With two minutes remaining, Troja entered the penalty area, dribbled past three Lazio players and went down under a challenge. Palermo immediately appealed for a penalty, but referee Bianchi allowed play to continue.

The final whistle soon followed, confirming a 2–1 victory for Lazio.

It was an excellent result for Lorenzo's side. The performance was not perfect, but Lazio had coped with the oppressive heat, strong wind, poor playing surface and Palermo's aggressive approach, while finishing the match in excellent physical condition. Most importantly, their new tactical approach appeared promising, with Massa operating as a deep-lying playmaker and allowing Mazzola, Nello Governato and Morrone to make runs into the central areas.

For Lazio, it was a first official away victory of the season — and a convincing indication that the team could be changing its style of play.

Who played for Palermo

Girardi, Sgrazzutti, Pasetti, Lancini, Bertuolo, De Bellis, Perucconi (70' Alario), Landoni, Troja, Vanello, Bercellino II (65' E.Ferrari)

Substitutes: Ferretti, Costantini, Reja

Manager: Di Bella (club secretary Bracco on the bench)

Who played for Lazio

Sulfaro, Wilson, Facco, Governato (77' Nanni), Polentes, Marchesi, Massa, Mazzola II, Chinaglia, Manservisi, Morrone