After nearly a month without a victory, Lazio finally returned to winning ways, edging past Verona 1-0 at Bentegodi thanks to an own goal by Nelsson in the second half.
Maurizio Sarri’s side secured a much-needed away triumph for the first time since December 13, when they defeated Parma at Tardini. With this win, the Biancocelesti leapfrog Bologna (who have played one game fewer) and Udinese, climbing to eighth place in the Serie A standings.
Verona, on the other hand, slipped to another defeat, marking their third loss in four matches. Igor Zanetti’s Gialloblù have only managed a single point in their last 360 minutes of play, having drawn against Napoli at Maradona, and remain second-to-last alongside Pisa, again with one game in hand.
The atmosphere at Bentegodi was electric even before kickoff, as over 2,000 traveling Lazio fans lit up the away section with an elaborate choreography. Banners read “All of Rome is here for you,” while other signs highlighted neighborhoods across the capital, including Ostiense, Trionfale, Fleming, San Lorenzo, Giuliano, Dalmata, Torrevecchia, Rebibbia, Pigneto, Acilia, Ponte Milvio, Ponte Mammolo, Ostia, Monteverde, Balduina, and Prenestino.
The first significant chance of the match came late in the first half when Verona almost broke the deadlock. Bradaric’s left-footed effort from the edge of the area was expertly tipped wide by Lazio goalkeeper Provedel.
Lazio responded shortly after with a Romagnoli header from inside the box, which flew over the crossbar.
In the 60th minute, Lazio appealed for a penalty after contact between Cancellieri and a Verona defender in the area. Referee Guida allowed play to continue, a decision confirmed by VAR, with analyst Luca Marelli explaining, “There is nothing irregular, Bradaric stops and then there is a game clash.”
Verona received further setbacks late in the second half when Bella-Kotchap pulled up after a weak shot on goal, prompting Nunez to come on as a substitute.
Lazio finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute. Cancellieri finished off Lazzari’s overlapping run, coming on for Pellegrini in the second half, with the ball deflecting off Nelsson, deceiving Montipò and officially recorded as an own goal.
In the final moments, Verona appealed for a penalty during a corner, claiming contact in the area.
However, Provedel managed to anticipate Valentini, and after a VAR check, the referee awarded a free kick to Lazio for a foul on their goalkeeper.
With this hard-fought win, Lazio ends their winless run and moves back into the top half, while Verona must regroup to escape the relegation battle.
