Lazio secured a 3-1 victory over Monza in their Serie A Round Six encounter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday, scoring twice in the first half before sealing the win with a late goal.
The hosts took the lead after just three minutes through Nuno Tavares, who converted a pass from Tijjani Noslin.
Lazio doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Gustav Isaksen fired a low shot into the net following another assist from Noslin.
Monza’s chances of mounting a comeback suffered a setback in the 35th minute when Lorenzo Lucchesi was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The visitors went into the break trailing by two goals and with 10 men on the pitch.
However, Monza reduced the deficit immediately after the restart.
Saba Goglichidze headed home from a corner in the 46th minute, with Dany Mota providing the delivery to give the visitors hope of salvaging a result.
Lazio responded with changes to strengthen their defence and midfield as Monza pushed for an equaliser.
The home side eventually settled the contest in the 88th minute when substitute Andrea Pinamonti finished a counterattack after receiving a pass from Alfonso Pedraza.
Despite Monza’s second-half improvement, Lazio maintained their advantage to claim all three points.
The hosts dominated possession with 66 per cent and registered 17 shots, seven of which were on target, while Monza managed 14 attempts, including six on target.
Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas was among the standout performers, making five saves, including four from inside the penalty area, to help his side withstand Monza’s attacking pressure.
Noslin also played a key role with two assists, while Tavares scored the opening goal.
Monza, meanwhile, showed attacking intent after the break but could not find another goal before Pinamonti’s late strike confirmed Lazio’s victory.
