In a goal-laden clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Genoa during the 23rd round of Serie A. The match showcased intensity and unwavering determination from both teams. The game was tied at 2-2, due to goals from Pedro Rodriguez (10’) and Kenneth Taylor (61’) for Lazio, along with Ruslan Malinovskyi (66’, penalty) and Vítor Oliveira (74’) for Genoa. Just when it seemed the game would end level, Danilo Cataldi converted a penalty in the 54th minute and sealed the win for Lazio’s Maurizio Sarri.
The pivotal moment for Lazio came from Kenneth Taylor, who scored a stunning goal in the second half’s 61st minute. With a perfect cross from Gustav Isaksen, Taylor connected brilliantly in the box and found the back of the net.
Genoa’s Ruslan Malinovskyi had a golden opportunity to equalize the match, but a shot struck the woodwork in the 74th minute.
Danilo Cataldi was undoubtedly the standout player of the match. The Lazio midfielder scored once and took three shots on goal, making an impact throughout the game. Vítor Oliveira also made his presence felt for Genoa, scoring one goal and attempting four shots.
Under the guidance of coach Maurizio Sarri, Lazio deployed a 4-3-3 formation featuring Ivan Provedel in goal; Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Oliver Provstgaard, and Luca Pellegrini in the defense; Kenneth Taylor, Danilo Cataldi, and Toma Basic in midfield; and Gustav Isaksen, Pedro Rodriguez, and Daniel Maldini in attack.
On the opposite bench, Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Justin Bijlow in goal; Alessandro Marcandalli, Leo Östigard, and Johan Vásquez in defense; Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Morten Frendrup, Mikael Ellertsson, and Aarón Martín in midfield; and Lorenzo Colombo and Vítor Oliveira leading the front.
The match was officiated by referee Luca Zufferli.
Next up, Lazio will face Juventus away, while Genoa will host Napoli. With this result, Lazio moves up to 32 points, sitting in eighth place, while Genoa remains at 23 points, positioned in sixteenth place in the standings.
Substitutions in Lazio
71’ – Pedro Rodriguez out for Matteo Cancellieri
72’ – Daniel Maldini out for Petar Ratkov
81’ – Luca Pellegrini out for Nuno Tavares
87’ – Gustav Isaksen out for Tijjani Noslin
Yellow Cards for Lazio:
21’ – Ivan Provedel (Unsporting behavior), 28’ – Luca Pellegrini (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions in Genoa
67’ – Aarón Martín out for Junior Messias
80’ – Lorenzo Colombo out for Caleb Ekuban, Kenneth Taylor out for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Vítor Oliveira out for Maxwel Cornet
86’ – Ruslan Malinovskyi out for Patrizio Masini
Yellow Cards for Genoa:
19’ – Ruslan Malinovskyi (Insulting or disapproving the referee), 26’ – Leo Östigard (Unsporting behavior), 47’ – Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Unsporting behavior)