Lazio continued their impressive Europa League campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over OGC Nice at the Stadio Olimpico. The match, played in increasingly difficult weather conditions, saw the Italian side showcase their attacking prowess and resilience.
Pedro opened the scoring with a skillful finish from a tight angle, curling the ball into the far top corner after a corner kick situation. The lead was doubled by Taty Castellanos, who celebrated his birthday in style with a delicate chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Nice briefly threatened a comeback when Jeremie Boga, formerly of Atalanta and Sassuolo, found the net just before halftime. However, Lazio reasserted their dominance in the second half.
Castellanos added his second and Lazio’s third with a brilliant individual effort, cutting back to evade a defender before firing into the top corner. The goal was initially flagged offside but confirmed valid by VAR.
Mattia Zaccagni rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot after Castellanos was fouled by the Nice goalkeeper. The heavy rain made playing conditions challenging in the latter stages, with the pitch becoming waterlogged.
Despite the adverse weather, Lazio maintained control and could have added to their tally, with Castellanos narrowly missing out on a hat-trick with a late acrobatic attempt.
Goals: Pedro 20 (L), Castellanos 35, 53 (L), Boga 41 (N), Zaccagni pen 67 (L)
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic (dal 78′ Lazzari), Patric, Gila (dal 68′ Romagnoli), Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Vecino (dal 64′ Dia); Tchaouna (dal 46′ Zaccagni), Dele-Bashiru (dal 46′ Rovella), Pedro; Castellanos.
Nice (3-4-2-1): Bulka; Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Dante; Clauss, Rosario (dal 77′ Diop), Boudaoui (68′ Abdi), Louchte (dal 68′ Ndombele); Bouanani (dal 68′ Cho), Boga (dal 68′ Guessand); Moukoko.
