Adam Marusic struck deep into stoppage time to hand Lazio a dramatic 2–1 victory over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A, ending the hosts’ frustrating run without a win.
Lazio looked determined to avoid a fifth consecutive league match without victory,something they had not experienced since July 2020, and they wasted little time asserting themselves in the contest.
The breakthrough arrived almost immediately. Just two minutes into the match, Daniel Maldini ended his 10-month wait for a goal by finishing close range to give the home side an early advantage.
The pressure continued to mount as Danilo Cataldi tested the goalkeeper, while Gustav Isaksen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru both fired off target as Sassuolo struggled to cope with Lazio’s attacking intent.
However, the visitors gradually found their footing and nearly restored parity midway through the first half. M’Bala Nzola unleashed a powerful, deflected effort that forced Edoardo Motta into a sharp save.
Sassuolo eventually drew level thanks to Armand Lauriente, who capped a well-worked passing move with a stunning strike into the top corner.
With the score tied at halftime, the second half proved far more cagey, with clear chances becoming scarce.
Ismael Kone had an opportunity for Sassuolo but fired over from inside the area, while Dele-Bashiru responded at the other end with an even more wayward attempt that sailed into the stands.
Lazio threatened again when Mattia Zaccagni curled an effort goalward, though Arijanet Muric dealt with it comfortably.
The closing stages brought renewed intensity as both teams pushed for a winner.
Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri went close for Lazio, while Sassuolo almost snatched the lead through Kristian Thorstvedt and Josh Doig, only for Motta to produce a brilliant double save.
Those crucial stops proved decisive moments, as Lazio found the breakthrough in injury time.
Substitute Adam Marusic rose in the box to head home his first goal of the season, sealing a dramatic late win for the hosts.
The victory gives Lazio their first league triumph since late January, while Sassuolo, who won the reverse fixture 1–0, were denied the chance to complete only their second-ever Serie A double over the Roman side.
