(Ladesma 25' - Mellberg 30')
The Biancocelesti got the match underway in Rome earlier tonight, in front of a packed house at the Stadio Olimpico, and following an extremely frantic opening ten minutes or so, the first opportunity fell to the home side, when Goran Pandev played a glorious through ball wide to Mauro Zarate, who unfortunately couldn’t get a shot away.
Stephan Lichtsteiner and Zarate had great opportunities within the space of two minutes to break the deadlock, as the Juventus midfield in particular continuously gave up the ball in dangerous positions. The home side were edging closer to that opening goal, and at this point it seemed a matter of when they would score, rather than if.
As expected, Lazio did manage to break the deadlock after 24 minutes, when Ledesma’s free kick from a dangerous crossing position sailed over the head of Manninger, following a dreadful error by the club’s number two goal keeper, who completely misjudged the flight of the ball. Lazio took a well deserved early advantage, and restarted the play with real confidence, as they were aware of the undefeated record, when scoring first in matches this season.
Just moments later, Lazio should have doubled their advantage, when Rocchi’s shot in a dangerous position spilled to Pandev in the area, and with the goal at his mercy and Manninger down, the Macedonian international was denied by Lorenzo Ariaudo.
Incredibly Juventus leveled the score line through Olof Mellberg on 30 minutes, who managed to score his first goal in a Bianconeri shirt with a header after a impressive corner by Marco Marchionni. It was to be their first shot of the match, and somehow the visitors were back in it, after just six minutes of going behind.
As the half neared an end, both sides had their moments, however neither looked like adding to their tally. The likes of Pandev, Rocchi and Zarate continued to threaten the opposing defence, whilst for Juventus, Sissoko and Nedved began to impose themselves physically in the match.
Neither side could alter the 1-1 score line, and that’s how it remained at the break, as the sides went in to the dressing rooms level at the half time interval.
Just moments later, Lazio should have doubled their advantage, when Rocchi’s shot in a dangerous position spilled to Pandev in the area, and with the goal at his mercy and Manninger down, the Macedonian international was denied by Lorenzo Ariaudo.
Incredibly Juventus leveled the score line through Olof Mellberg on 30 minutes, who managed to score his first goal in a Bianconeri shirt with a header after a impressive corner by Marco Marchionni. It was to be their first shot of the match, and somehow the visitors were back in it, after just six minutes of going behind.
As the half neared an end, both sides had their moments, however neither looked like adding to their tally. The likes of Pandev, Rocchi and Zarate continued to threaten the opposing defence, whilst for Juventus, Sissoko and Nedved began to impose themselves physically in the match.
Neither side could alter the 1-1 score line, and that’s how it remained at the break, as the sides went in to the dressing rooms level at the half time interval.
Following the secand half match, the half burst into life, as Juventus were the brighter this time around. Firstly Sissoko had a great opportunity to make it two for Juve, after a brilliant run; however his shot was weak and easily dealt with by Carrizo as a result. Amauri also began to have an effect on proceedings, as he had a chance to score from a header, as well as strong claim for what looked to be a penalty.
Amauri tried to work himself into the match after the 70 minute mark, when he possessed the ball for a period of longer than a few seconds for the first time all night. His run was halted by Rozenhal just outside the area however, and as was the case for the large part of his night, the Brazilian born, possibly soon to become Italian international, was unable to have an impact on proceedings.
Just five minutes later, the home side found themselves on a promising counter attack, and when Zarate was played through, it looked as if the Biancocelesti would be able to restore their advantage. The only thing standing in his way was Molinaro however, who did brilliantly to deny the Argentinean from getting a shot on goal. The scores remained level, heading into the final ten minutes of play.
Just five minutes later, the home side found themselves on a promising counter attack, and when Zarate was played through, it looked as if the Biancocelesti would be able to restore their advantage. The only thing standing in his way was Molinaro however, who did brilliantly to deny the Argentinean from getting a shot on goal. The scores remained level, heading into the final ten minutes of play.
Having said this though, Legrottaglie went close to scoring after 86 minutes, when his effort from all of 25 yards easily beat Carrizo, but was denied by the woodwork, which prevented the defender from capping off a dominant individual performance. Meanwhile, Lazio responded with a flurry of late bursts, as Pandev and Rocchi went close to scoring.
The result leave the Bianconeri on 40 points in second position, three adrift of the leader Inter, whilst Lazio are back in seventh, with 31 points recorded at the half way mark of the season.
Lazio (4-3-3): Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Diakite, Rozenhal, Radu; Dabo (De Silvestri, 70’), Ledesma, Meghni (Brocchi, 63’); Pandev, Zarate (Foggia, 76’), Rocchi
Juventus (4-4-2): Manninger; Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Ariaudo, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko, Zanetti (Marchisio, 70’), Nedved; Del Piero (Giovinco, 80’), Amauri
Ladesma's goal:
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