Deadly duo Pandev-Rocchi strike again

Season 2007-08

Game 37, Serie A

Sunday, May 11, 2009

Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa

Genoa Lazio 0-2

Lazio attacking partnership bring joint tally up to 38 as Biancocelesti clinch clinical win

In Serie A Lazio were having a mediocre season, they drew the first three and then got their first win after five matches (Cagliari 3-1). They had lost the first derby 3-2 but triumphed in the second by the same score with a last minute Valon Behrami winner. Lazio were currently in 13th position after 9 wins, 13 draws and 14 defeats, on 40 points.

Genoa were having a decent season. They were currently 8th, on 48 points.

A classic end of season game with neither side with much to play for. Genoa slight favourites as higher in the table and playing the last game in front of their home supporters.

The match

A sunny day in the port city of Genoa attracted about 25,000 spectators to this end of season game.

There was not much to play for although Genoa had decided to go for the Intertoto route to Europe so had to finish at least 8th. They put out their best team but had Borriello on the bench alongside Julio César de Leon who had not felt well at the last moment.

Lazio meanwhile were with without defenders Guglielmo Stendardo, Sebastiano Siviglia and Stefan Radu and gave Ivan Artipoli his Serie A debut.

Genoa started off brighter and had chances with Giuseppe Sculli and a Luciano Gabriel Figueroa header that went over the bar. In the 17th minute it was keeper Marco Ballotta who pulled off an excellent save to deny Sculli.

Lazio had threatened occasionally as the Genoa defence looked beatable but without any clear chances.

In the 32nd minute however Lazio scored and it was a great move. From a Luciano Zauri throw in, Stefano Mauri backheeled to Tommaso Rocchi inside the area, he held up the ball with his back to the goal and laid it off to Goran Pandev who slotted it in with a low left foot. A superbly orchestrated goal. Genoa 0 Lazio 1.

Lazio doubled their lead just before halftime. Pandev won the ball in midfield and then Mauri sent Valon Behrami bursting down the right, the Swiss put in a perfect low cross which Rocchi only had to touch from close range with his left foot with the keeper already beaten. Half time, Genoa 0 Lazio 2.

Genoa went off whistled by their own fans and Gasperini decided to make some changes. The keeper Rubinho was injured and replaced by Alessio Scarpi while top scorer Marco Borriello came on for midfielder Fabiano.

Genoa attacked constantly but Lazio defended well and looked for chances on the break. In the 60th minute Pandev teed up Rocchi but Scarpi saved well.

Genoa had chances to reduce the deficit but Figueroa and Borriello were imprecise and then Abdoulay Konko hit the post with a long-range effort. Lazio, with Cristian Ledesma dominant in midfield, managed to subdue the hosts' attacks and the game finished with Lazio in control of the situation. Final score Genoa 0 Lazio 2.

A clinical Lazio had absorbed the home sides attacks and struck twice on the break. It was only Lazio’s second away win of the season and was all in all deserved.

Lazio were up to joint 12th, on 44 points with Siena. Genoa were now 9th, on 48 and almost out of contention for the Intertoto competition.

Who played for Genoa

Rubinho (46' Scarpi), Konko, Bovo, Lucarelli, Rossi, Milanetto, Juric, Fabiano (46' Borriello), Sculli (69' Wilson), Figueroa, Danilo

Substitutes: De Rosa, Ghinassi, Santos, Leon

Manager: Gasperini

Who played for Lazio

Ballotta, Zauri, Artipoli (66' Cribari), Rozehnal, De Silvestri, Mutarelli, Ledesma, Behrami (70' Dabo), Mauri, Pandev (79' Bianchi), Rocchi