Lazio take Juventus scalp to cement second in Serie A
Previously in charge of Juventus for just over 12 months, Maurizio Sarri has already lasted a lot longer at Lazio, and he put his former employers to the sword for much of the first half.
With confidence still coursing through his veins after a superb free-kick against Monza last time out, talismanic midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic provided much of the threat.
And after 38 minutes of consistent pressure from the Eagles, he bagged the opener by chesting down Zaccagni’s upfield ball and firing home at the back post.
It was not a strike without controversy though, as a theatrical fall by the defending marker Alex Sandro led to a VAR review, but only to the effect of confirming his simulation and green-lighting the goal.
That infuriated the Bianconeri, who had failed to muster any meaningful efforts towards Ivan Provedel’s net until just before the break.
Angel Di Maria’s delicious corner-kick provided the opportunity to level, and through sheer determination, Adrien Rabiot bundled the ball over the line to end Lazio’s sensational streak of clean sheets at six games.
Sarri’s side re-established their dominance after the break, however, as Zaccagni went from provider to finisher in a free-flowing Lazio move.
Felipe Anderson’s cutback already had the visitors scrambling, but Luis Alberto’s ice-cool backheel created acres of space for the 27-year-old to pick his spot and curl into the far corner.
With Juventus on the ropes, Zaccagni almost set up a comfortable end to the game by converting Milinkovic-Savic’s cross and clinching what appeared to be his second of the night, but the linesman’s flag cut his celebrations short.
The Bianconeri probed until the final whistle, with Nicolo Fagioli blazing their best chance over the bar, but Sarri’s rock-solid defence stood firm to clinch the three points.
A first defeat in six matches represents less than ideal preparation for Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri, who was absent from the touchline due to illness, ahead of daunting clashes with Napoli, Sporting and Inter Milan before the end of the month.
Lazio, meanwhile, can rejoice in a job well done after restoring a five-point gap ahead of third place, following their hated rivals Roma’s earlier victory at Torino.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
