In a thrilling encounter, Lazio made the most of Sassuolo’s surprising defensive lapses, with Felipe Anderson and Luis Alberto delivering the knockout blows. VAR added an extra layer of intrigue as it came to Ivan Provedel’s rescue, preventing a red card.
A Symphony of Defensive Missteps
Sassuolo’s defensive woes took center stage in this encounter, offering Lazio the golden opportunity to shine. Felipe Anderson seized the moment by capitalizing on a Ruan Tressoldi error, slotting home his first Serie A goal of the season. However, it was the second goal that truly showcased the comedy of errors, as Felipe Anderson’s cross from the right set up Luis Alberto, thanks to a woeful clearance attempt by Daniel Boloca.
Sassuolo’s custodian, Andrea Consigli, worked tirelessly to keep his team afloat with some breathtaking saves. One particular highlight was his acrobatic stop from an Alessio Romagnoli header off a Luis Alberto corner. Yet, for all his heroics, Sassuolo’s defensive fragility was undeniable, and these lapses put them firmly on the back foot.
VAR Drama and Late Flourishes
The game took an unexpected turn in the 62nd minute, as Ivan Provedel appeared to mishandle a long ball outside his penalty area. A red card was promptly brandished, only to be revoked upon VAR review. It was determined that while Provedel’s body was outside the box, he had captured the ball right on the line, prompting relief for Sassuolo.
While Sassuolo’s defense struggled to contain Lazio’s advances, the Biancocelesti kept pressing for more goals. Mattia Zaccagni and Matias Vecino unleashed thunderous strikes, all handled expertly by Sassuolo’s Consigli. However, the match also saw Sassuolo’s moments of brilliance, with Manuel Lazzari thwarting a Domenico Berardi attempt, and Zaccagni’s header clanging off the upright.
In a game marked by jaw-dropping defensive mishaps, Lazio emerged victorious by exploiting Sassuolo’s vulnerabilities. Despite Sassuolo’s valiant attempts, it was their lapses in defense that ultimately defined the outcome of this captivating contest.
