Game 18, Serie A
Sunday, February 11, 1979
Stadio Comunale, Bergamo
Atalanta Lazio 0-0
Lazio defend for 90 minutes and bring home precious point
In Serie A, Lazio were in 8th position, on 17 points with Fiorentina and Catanzaro. So far Atalanta were in difficulty, in 14th position, on 10 points. Lazio were mid-table and could play for two results out of three, while Atalanta were absolutely desperate for a win.
The match
A miserable, wet day in Bergamo for this afternoon's game gathered a 15,000 crowd.
Atalanta wanted a win and they went for it right from the word go. In the 1st minute, young talent Marocchino got past a couple of defenders and set up Vincenzo Chiarenza, but the future Lazio player failed to domesticate the ball in an extremely favourable position in front of Massimo Cacciatori.
A few minutes later Battista Festa put a dangerous freekick into the box but no Bergamaschi managed to get a touch while Lionello Manfredonia did and almost put it in his own net.
Atalanta attacked constantly and Lazio had to dig deep, often resorting to rough defending but managed to resist until halftime. Atalanta 0 Lazio 0.
One way traffic so far, with Lazio's game plan clear, defend, defend, defend and come away with a point.
The second half predictably saw a similar game pattern. Atalanta attacked in waves and Lazio rarely crossed the halfway line. In the 55th minute the "Dea" had a penalty appeal for an Aldo Nicoli handball but it was judged involuntary (these were the days before players were expected to cut off their arms when challenging or jumping in the area).
The game became increasingly physical with Lazio especially resorting to systematic fouls to break up the home side's pressure. The wet pitch also meant it was difficult for the players to stay on their feet.
In the 87th minute, probably to slow things down, Lazio replaced Andrea Agostinelli with Antonio Fernando Labonia. The Argentine had time to get booked and the Atalanta manager Rota was so fed up with Lazio’s tactics that he stormed away from his bench. Final score Atalanta 0 Lazio 0.
Not pretty viewing but a good point for Lazio. These were still the days when an away point, especially at places like Bergamo, was seen as very positive. A missed opportunity for Atalanta but today defence had prevailed over attack.
Lazio still joint 8th, now just with Fiorentina, on 18 points. Atalanta were still four points from safety, as both Roma and Avellino had drawn, while a small consolation came from Ascoli losing so they too were now four points away.
Who played for Atalanta
Bodini, Osti, Mei, Prandelli, Vavassori, Tavola, Marocchino (77' Pircher), Rocca, Paina, Festa, Chiarenza
Substitutes: Dal Bello, Mastropasqua
Manager: Rota
Who played for Lazio
Cacciatori, Ammoniaci, Tassotti, Wilson, Manfredonia, Cordova, De Stefanis, Agostinelli (87' Labonia), Giordano, Nicoli, Viola
Substitutes: Fantini, Cantarutti
Manager: Lovati
Referee: Terpin
Sources
Comments