Game 19, Serie A
Wednesday, February 29, 1956
Stadio Mario Brumana, Bergamo
Atalanta Lazio 1-1
Despite having to defend for most of the match, Lazio clinch precious point with a Bettini goal
The Biancocelesti were in joint 13th place with Padova, Novara and Triestina. They were on 18 points, only four above Bologna in 17th in the second relegation slot.
The game was originally scheduled for February 19, but was postponed due to snow. It was therefore being played today, midweek on February 29.
A balanced game was expected today between two sides trying to avoid getting too deeply involved in the relegation battle.
The match
Fortunately, it was sunny in Bergamo, even if the pitch was a bit slippery. The working day afternoon kick-off meant there was only a 6,000 crowd.
Atalanta took control from the word go and went on the attack. Lazio were forced on the defensive with the wingers Ermes Muccinelli and Renzo Burini often having to drop back deep and help out.
In the 4th minute Carlo Annovazzi tested Bob Lovati out with a powerful low shot but Bob was safe.
In the 14th minute Adriano Bassetto, after combining with Ennio Lenuzza, let off a shot which the referee claimed Giovanni Di Veroli then touched with his hands and awarded a penalty. It was a controversial decision but Bassetto put away the spot kick to Lovati's left and the Bergamaschi were ahead. Atalanta 1 Lazio 0.
Despite the home side showing no signs of relenting, four minutes later Lazio equalised. It was a great move too. Muccinelli skipped past two opponents on the right and passed to Burini who in turn set up Lorenzo Bettini who bicycle kicked the ball into the back of the net. A great goal, Atalanta 1 Lazio 1.
Atalanta continued to have territorial control and superior ball possession and pushed forward. Lazio’s defence however was solid and Lovati always ready. Halftime Atalanta 1 Lazio 1.
The second 45 minutes were similar to the first but without any goals. Atalanta put Lazio under siege for prolonged periods and after two more penalty appeals for fouls on Bassetto went extremely close to a winner.
In the 77th minute Orlando Rozzoni seemed to have beaten Lovati but his thundering strike came back off the post.
Lazio then survived the last ten minutes in the trenches and were relieved to hear the final whistle. Atalanta 1 Lazio 1.
A hard-fought game by Lazio who had defended well and brought a precious point back to Rome. In fairness, the Orobici hosts had deserved more and were a touch unlucky with their attempt hitting the woodwork towards the end.
A point each though and a useful one. Lazio went up to 19 points with Napoli, five points above Bologna while Atalanta pushed up to joint 9th place in the company of Roma on 20 points, only three from 3rd placed Inter.
Who played for Atalanta
Galbiati, Catozzo, Corsini, Angeleri, Zannier, Vittoni, Lenuzza, Annovazzi, Rozzoni, Bassetto, Sabbatella
Manager: Bonizzoni
Who played for Lazio
Lovati, Molino, Di Veroli, Sassi II, Sentimenti V, Villa, Muccinelli, Vivolo, Bettini, Burini, Selmosson
Manager: Carver
Referee: Rigato
Goals: 15' Bassetto (pen), 18' Bettini
Sources
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