The Coppa Italia round of 16 began tonight in Rome as Lazio hosted Genoa. The last time these sides met in August the Grifone came away with a valuable 1-0 win. To get to this stage Genoa had to score an extra time winner against Serie B club Reggiana at the beginning of November. Lazio had beaten Cagliari in the league at the weekend but it wasn’t a perfect performance by any means. Having had more luck in cup competitions so far they hoped to continue that trend tonight.
In the end they got over the line. Matteo Guendouzi met a Luca Pellegrini cross after 5 minutes and finished neatly into the corner. This proved to be the only goal of the game as the Biancocelesti won 1-0. sides traded chances and shared an even amount of posession but a lack of quality in the final third was there for all to see. Lazio will go on to meet the winner of Roma vs Cremonese which doesn’t take place till the new year meaning a Quarter final Derby is on the cards. Meanwhile here’s how Maurizio Sarri’s players rated this evening as Matteo Guendouzi gets off the mark with his first Lazio goal.
Ivan Provedel – 6
He didn’t make a save until the 35th minute. Even after this he only had simple saves to make. His defence was slow to push out and this left him unimpressed a few times.
Elseid Hysaj – 6
Streaming forward he got something out of nearly every visit. His link up play was impressive out wide. Defensively he won some and lost some.
Patric – 6
Stood off a bit too much at the edge of the area. Long balls forward weren’t useful tonight. Sometimes a lack of communication with Mario Gila was a bit dodgy. But he led the defence well for the most part while wearing the captain’s armband.
Mario Gila – 5.5
Too casual early on and got robbed by Mateo Retegui. Could have been tighter on the young striker but he held the line well. A great recovery to win back the ball was very important.
Luca Pellegrini – 6.5
Spotted Matteo Guendouzi and picked him out to get himself a nice assist. One or too loose balls but nothing major. Took a risk in the box with two minutes remaining after putting in a robust challenge.
Matteo Guendouzi – 7.5
Nice neat finish into the corner to get his first goal in Lazio colours. Drifted in at the right time to meet the ball. Had great vision to play lovely passes across the defence. Lazio’s best performer tonight. Quality.
Nicolo Rovella – 6
Provided passes for those around him all evening. Many of them were impressive. He worked hard on and off the ball.
Daichi Kamada – 5
He got the ball caught up in his feet sometimes but he had some nice swift moves on offer. If he had have broken through the defensive lines more it would’ve elevated his game.
Pedro – 6.5
Had a great pass from Guendouzi but the angle was too small to convert from. He was always involved in attacking movements and his teammates endeavoured to give him the ball out wide. Many passes and attempts.
Taty Castellanos – 5.5
High intensity pressing was present in his game throughout the evening. Had to drop deep to link up the play. He doesn’t really threaten the Genoa goal properly though.
Gustav Isaksen – 5
Unfortunately for him his evening didn’t go to plan. After 27 minutes he got injured and had to be replaced by Felipe Anderson. A setback after such good showings recently.
Substitutes:
Felipe Anderson – 6.5
Got more then an hour of play and used it well. Could’ve doubled the lead but his header missed the target. Clashed heads with Castellanos but was fine. A good display overall.
Ciro Immobile – 6.5
Created good chances to score but couldn’t convert them. Set Toma Basic up on a silver platter but he couldn’t kill the game off.
Adam Marusic – 6
Marusic went about his business quietly after replacing Patric at Centre half. Plugged the gaps to see the game out.
Toma Basic – N/A
Danilo Cataldi – N/A
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