Lazio Weather the Fog to Hold Spal in Emilia
- Simon Basten
- Dec 20, 2023
- 2 min read
Game 12, Serie A
Sunday, December 20, 1959
Stadio Comunale, Ferrara
Spal Lazio 1-1
Biancocelesti remain unbeaten on the road in a tense, mist-shrouded clash
The beginning of the season was promising and Lazio in the first four games won 2 and drew two. But then a heavy defeat in the derby, 3-0, and a loss at home against Juventus in reality showed that the Biancocelesti were probably going to have a poor year. The previous Sunday they had lost 5-0 at home to Fiorentina. There was a need for a reaction.
The match
Lazio survived a tricky trip to face a Spal side that had been one of the season’s most surprising performers. With a disciplined defence, a physical midfield, a creative playmaker in Oscar Massei, and the sharp counterattacks of Egidio Morbello and Carlo Novelli, the home team looked every bit the threat their recent form suggested.
Coach Fulvio Bernardini welcomed back key players Adelmo Eufemi and Humberto Tozzi after several weeks on the side-lines, while Fioravanti Baldi devised a double-marking plan to contain Lazio’s Brazilian striker.
The opening quarter was cautious, with Morbello testing Lazio goalkeeper Idilio Cei with a powerful low shot, easily saved. Minutes later, Cei was again alert to deny another dangerous attempt, and Novelli’s precise cross put the Roman defence under serious pressure. Lazio nearly struck before halftime: Ugo Pozzan combined with Tozzi and shot on the run, only to see the ball rattle the outside of Natale Nobili’s post.
The second half brought even more drama, as thickening fog made conditions difficult for players and spectators alike. Seven minutes in, Lazio broke the deadlock. Bruno Franzini initiated the move, Tozzi’s clever dummy opened space, and Pozzan’s quick pass allowed Tozzi to delicately slot the ball past the Spal goalkeeper.
The hosts responded furiously, forcing Lazio to retreat and resort to tactical fouls to stem the tide. Massei’s free kick went just wide in the 59th minute, and Guerrino Rossi seemed to equalise three minutes later, only for the referee to spot a handball and disallow the goal.
The inevitable equaliser arrived in the 63rd minute. Dante Micheli set Massei in motion, who anticipated Cei and calmly levelled the score. Despite worsening visibility, the referee allowed the game to continue, judging that both sides were satisfied with the balanced play.
The final whistle confirmed Lazio’s reputation as a formidable away team. Outside the derby, Bernardini’s side had yet to taste defeat on the road this season, demonstrating resilience even under the most challenging conditions.
Who played for Spal
Nobili, Trentini, Bozzao, Micheli, Catalani, Ganzer, Novelli, Massei, Rossi, Balleri, Morbello
Manager: Baldi
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Bernardini
Referee: Righetti
Goals: 52’ Tozzi, 63’ Massei
Sources
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