Lazio demonstrated their resilience by coming from behind to defeat Empoli 2-1 in a thrilling Serie A encounter at the Stadio Olimpico. The win extends Lazio’s impressive run to four consecutive victories across all competitions.
The match began with an unexpected twist as Empoli took an early lead. Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel slipped while attempting to deal with a Giuseppe Pezzella cross, allowing Sebastiano Esposito to head home and give the visitors a surprise advantage.
Lazio’s pursuit of an equalizer was hampered by an injury to Manuel Lazzari, who was forced off with a suspected femoral bicep strain. However, the Biancocelesti’s persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time. Nuno Tavares, continuing his impressive form, provided his fifth assist in as many games with a precise cross that Mattia Zaccagni expertly headed into the far corner.
The home side’s momentum was briefly halted early in the second half when Taty Castellanos saw his penalty saved by Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez. The spot-kick was awarded after Pezzella fouled Boulaye Dia in the box.
Lazio’s winning goal came courtesy of substitute Pedro, who replicated his midweek Europa League heroics against OGC Nice. The Spanish veteran latched onto a through ball from Castellanos and unleashed a powerful shot that found the net via the underside of the crossbar.
Goals: Esposito 9 (E), Zaccagni 45 (L), Pedro 84 (L)
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel, Lazzari (dal 38′ Marusic), Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares (dall’86’ Lu. Pellegrini); Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen (dal 73′ Pedro), Dia (dall’86’ Castrovilli), Zaccagni (dall’87’ Noslin); Castellanos.
Empoli (3-5-2): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Fazzini (dal 65′ Henderson), Grassi, Anjorin (dal 65′ Ekong), Pezzella (dal 53′ Cacace); Esposito (dall’83’ De Sciglio), Solbakken (dall’83’ Colombo).:
