ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lazio beats Empoli 2-1 in a comeback: goals by Zaccagni and Pedro overturn Esposito’s initial lead and make the Olimpico crowd cheer. First knockout of the championship for the Tuscans; biancocelesti flying to 13 points in the standings.The hosts have a good approach and after only six minutes they make themselves dangerous with a Zaccagni conclusion, which ends on the bottom. The Tuscans, however, are more cynical and at the first real chance on goal they take the lead at 9′ with Sebastiano Esposito: the striker anticipates Romagnoli and takes advantage of a slip by Provedel to put in the net with a header on an assist from Pezzella. The reaction of Marco Baroni’s men was not long in coming, as they put Vasquez in trouble at two junctures first with Isaksen and then with Castellanos, who, however, only got two corners. As the half-hour ticked down, the visiting lineup came back into view from Provedel’s side with a Viti shot, which was easily defused by the Biancocelesti goalkeeper. At 38′ Baroni loses Lazzari to injury and sends Marusic on instead.Seconds before halftime Lazio manages to grab the equalizer thanks to the header of captain Mattia Zaccagni, who capitalizes to the fullest on yet another assist of the season from Nuno Tavares. In the opening minutes of the second half, Lazio immediately earned a penalty kick for a foul by Pezzella on Dia: Castellanos appeared on the penalty spot, but a resounding Vasquez repelled with his feet and saved his team. After a round of substitutions Empoli also tried to take the lead again in the 71′ with a treacherous shot by Cacace, which was deflected into the corner. In the 84th minute, the newly-entered Pedro took the lead, receiving from Castellanos and letting off a missile at the first post on which Vasquez could do nothing. In the final, the Azzurri went in search of an equalizer, but the Capitoline managed to defend 2-1 without any fears.- photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
