Lazio booked their ticket to the semi-finals of the Italian Cup by winning 1-0 against AS Roma on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium. Italian international Mattia Zaccagni scored from the penalty spot (51st) the only goal in a muscular Roman derby, true to its fiery reputation, both on the pitch and in the stands.
After a dull first period without any scoring chances, Lazio started the second half on the back foot.
Taking advantage of a placement error by Dutch hope Dean Huijsen, on loan to Roma this week from Juventus Turin, Felipe Anderson found Matias Vecino in the penalty area, whose point-blank header was deflected by Rui Patricio (47th).
Four minutes later, Huijsen unbalanced Valentin Castellanos in the penalty area. After VAR intervention, Zaccagni gave Lazio the lead from the penalty spot.
Roma, deprived of Paulo Dybala, injured, since the break, it has often been handed over to Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian international has never found himself in a position to get his team back afloat.
The most dangerous chance for Jose Mourinho’s side came in the 87th minute, but Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas, Ivan Provedel’s understudy, saved his side by diverting Andrea Belotti’s shot and diving in front of Lorenzo Pellegrini.
In added time, tempers became particularly heated with several altercations which led to the exclusions of three players, one from Lazio (Pedro) and two from Roma (Azmoun, Mancini). Lazio, whose seventh and last victory in the Coppa Italia dates back to 2019, will face the winner of the duel between Juventus Turin and Frosinone in the semi-finals, scheduled for Thursday.
Also this Wednesday (9:00 p.m.), AC Milan hosts Atalanta. On Tuesday, Fiorentina defeated Bologna who had eliminated Inter Milan, double defending champion, in the previous round on penalties (0-0 ap, 5 tab to 4).
