In a highly anticipated Serie A showdown, Lazio and Milan collided in a battle rich with statistical significance and tactical intrigue. Milan’s impressive unbeaten record against Lazio, coupled with their proficiency from set pieces, promised an edge. Meanwhile, Lazio’s solid defensive performance, conceding only one goal from corners, added a compelling dimension to the encounter. With both teams competing for crucial points in the league standings, football fans were treated to a match brimming with statistical significance and on-field drama.
Pre-Match
Press Conference
AC Milan‘s manager, Stefano Pioli, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they prepared to face S. S. Lazio at the Olimpico. Reflecting on their recent performance against Atalanta, Pioli highlighted the need for greater efficiency in front of goal. Despite recognizing Lazio’s quality, Pioli expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. He acknowledged the significance of upcoming fixtures but stressed the importance of taking one game at a time. Pioli also praised Lazio’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, and expressed mutual respect between them. In terms of player updates, Pioli mentioned the return of Tomori from injury, providing a boost to the squad’s defensive options.
“We want to produce the same performance as last week whilst aiming for a different result.”
Meanwhile, the match preview outlined the context for both teams. AC Milan sought to rebound from a draw against Atalanta, while Lazio aimed to recover from a recent defeat. The preview highlighted key players for both sides, such as Immobile for Lazio and Giroud for AC Milan. Notably, AC Milan’s recent dominance over Lazio in Serie A matches was mentioned, along with statistical insights into set-piece effectiveness. With the match set to open on Matchday 27 of Serie A, both teams aimed to secure vital points in their pursuit of their respective goals.
Interesting Statistics
(For March 1st, 2024, before the game)
- The first game of the season between the two teams: Milan 2-0 Lazio, September 20, 2023.
- The only previous Serie A match between AC Milan and Lazio held on a Friday occurred on September 9, 2011, resulting in a 2-2 draw at San Siro.
- AC Milan boasts an impressive record against Lazio, remaining unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 encounters, securing ten wins and two draws.
- AC Milan leads in corner goals this season with seven, tied with Inter and Juventus, while Lazio have conceded the fewest corner goals, only one, equalling Inter’s record.
- Leão has been influential against Lazio, providing three assists, second only to his performance against Roma in Serie A this season.
- Current Serie A Table: Inter 69; Juventus 57; AC Milan 53; Bologna 48.
Matchday
Match Details
LAZIO 0-1 AC MILAN – March 1st, 2024
LAZIO (4-3-3): Provedel; Marušić, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Vecino, L. Alberto; F. Anderson, Castellanos, Zaccagni. Subs: Mandas, Renzetti; Casale, Hysaj, Lazzari, Ruggeri; A. Anderson, Cataldi, Kamada; Immobile, Isaksen, Pedro. Coach: Sarri.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Florenzi, Kjær, Gabbia, Hernández; Bennacer, Adli; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leão; Giroud. Subs: Mirante, Sportiello; Calabria, Jiménez, Kalulu, Terracciano, Thiaw, Tomori; Musah, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Okafor. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Di Bello from Brindisi.
First Half
The first half of the match between AC Milan and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico lacked intensity and quality, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. AC Milan initiated promising attacks early on, notably through Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez, but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Lazio’s defensive resilience posed challenges for Milan, with the home side also threatening from set-pieces. Controversy arose when Alessandro Florenzi’s backpass led to a collision with Lazio’s player, sparking heated protests from the home team, although no penalty was awarded.
Second Half
The second half witnessed heightened drama as the game intensified. Lazio suffered a setback when Luca Pellegrini received a second yellow card for a foul on Christian Pulisic in the 57th minute, reducing them to ten men. AC Milan seized the opportunity to push forward but struggled to break the deadlock despite creating chances. After Leao’s goal in the 77th minute was ruled offside and Milan’s first goal was disallowed, nerves were even more tense.
Noah Okafor, brought on as a substitute in the 71st minute, finally found the breakthrough in the 88th minute, capitalizing on a rebound to score the winning goal. Tempers flared in the closing stages as Lazio received two more red cards, with Adam Marusic and Matteo Guendouzi both being sent off for dissent and misconduct, respectively. After two more Lazio players were sent off in the 94th and 96th minutes, Lazio ended the game with eight players.
Goals:
- AC MILAN: 88′ Okafor (M)
Booked:
- LAZIO: 23′ Sarri (L) from the bench, 58′ Romagnoli (L), 77′ Immobile (L)
- MILAN: 61′ Florenzi (M), 70′ Adli (M), 80′ Gabbia (M), 84′ Hernández (M), 95′ Leão (M), 96′ Pulisic (M)
Sent off:
- LAZIO: 57′ Pellegrini (L), 94′ Marušić (L), 96′ Guendouzi (L)
Despite the drama, AC Milan secured a vital 1-0 victory, ending their winless streak and consolidating their position in the league table with 56 points.
Post-Match Analysis
Press Conference
“We were better in the second half and played the way we should.”
After the game between Lazio and AC Milan, Pioli addressed the media, discussing the performance and other pertinent topics. Pioli acknowledged the tense nature of the match, highlighting the lack of rhythm in the first half and the improved performance after Luca Pellegrini’s expulsion. He defended Christian Pulisic’s decision not to put the ball out of play, leading to Pellegrini’s second yellow card.
Reflecting on the second half, Pioli added, “We were better in the second half and played the way we should. We showed the right attitude, knowing that we could get the win tonight. We dug in, we battled hard.” Tactical adjustments and substitutions played a crucial role in Milan’s victory, with Pioli emphasizing the importance of maintaining defensive solidity. Pioli remained focused on the team’s objectives, including securing third place in Serie A and advancing in the Europa League, despite comments from Milan owner Gerry Cardinale. Regarding Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s evolving role within the team, Pioli expressed satisfaction with the veteran striker’s contributions and commitment.
Statistical Highlights
- Possession: Lazio 37% – 63% Milan
- Shots: Lazio 11 – 14 Milan
- Shots on target: Lazio 3 – 5 Milan
- Offsides: Lazio 0 – 3 Milan
MVP – Noah Okafor
Noah Okafor was chosen as the game’s MVP, scoring a crucial 88th-minute goal to secure victory against Lazio. Okafor’s goal showcased his knack for scoring important goals off the bench, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable impact player. With his fifth goal of the season, Okafor demonstrated impressive efficiency, particularly as a substitute, highlighting his valuable contribution to the team’s success.
You can watch the match highlights below:
