Game 21, Serie A
Sunday, March 11, 1979
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Ascoli 3-1
Ascoli better side in first half but two “Bruno gol” second half strikes give Lazio hard earned win
Lazio drew the first match of the season 2-2 against Juventus and so far, had won 6 drawn 8 and lost 6. It had so far been an inconsistent campaign with some great victories, such as the 4-0 against Fiorentina, but also disappointing defeats. Much of Lazio’s hopes to get results were pinned on Vincenzo D'Amico's inventiveness and Bruno Giordano's excellent goal scoring form.
So far, this season in Serie A the Ascolani had won 5, drawn 7 and lost 8. They had drawn 0-0 with Lazio in the away game and also earned an away 0-0 draw at Milan. They had beaten Torino, Verona twice, Atalanta and Fiorentina. To be their first season back in Serie A and only the third in their history, the Picchi ("Woodpeckers") had a satisfactory 17 points in the league table.
The match
The game took place on a mild, sunny March day in front of 40,000 spectators.
The main talk before the match was the return to the Olimpico of scudetto winning goalkeeper Felice Pulici, known as Felix. Despite defending the Bianconeri of Ascoli's goal and colours, he was welcomed back warmly with applause, chants and flowers. Pulici was an unforgettable pillar of that crazy Lazio team that surprised Italy by winning the title in 1974. In a post-match interview Pulici confessed that during the match he never really got over the emotions of the heartfelt welcome he was given by the fans.
Today Lazio were missing Franco "Ciccio" Cordova in midfield due to suspension. This defection soon showed as the visitors’ midfield took control with Moro, Danilo Pileggi, Eugenio Perico and Gianfranco Bellotto. The first goal scoring opportunity however was for Lazio with Giordano hitting the crossbar with a cracking free kick. It was to be an isolated event as Ascoli were the superior team and deservedly took the lead in the 24th minute. A cross from the left by Eugenio Perico found Giovanni Quadri in the area and, despite being surrounded by defenders, headed the ball past Massimo Cacciatori. Lazio 0 Ascoli 1, so far a fair score.
Lazio reacted, especially with their two most talented players, Giordano and D'Amico. A dangerous Giordano shot was saved by Pulici in the 33rd minute and four minutes later the golden boy from Latina went close with a brilliant solo effort.
In the 42nd minute Lazio equalised. Ascoli were momentarily in ten men as Giuliano Castoldi was having some stomach problems and the Biancocelesti seized the moment. Aldo Nicoli went on a prolonged run down the left wing and then gave the ball inside to Nando Viola who crossed towards Giordano, the ball was half cleared and fell to Paolo Ammoniaci who unexpectedly hammered a left footed shot into the top hand corner. An unlikely protagonist to the rescue and just before halftime too, Lazio 1 Ascoli 1.
In the second half Ascoli again started the stronger and an Adelio Moro shot shaved the post. In the 56th minute however Lazio took the lead. Giordano after magically dribbling three defenders was fouled for a free kick. The "Trasteverino's" subsequent strike curled over the wall and beat Pulici. Lazio 2 Ascoli 1.
At this point the visitors' heads started to drop and Lazio took control. In the 62nd minute the Eagles scored again. A Gigi Martini cross was almost imperceptibly touched with his calf by Giordano, ending up in the back of the net. The ball did not even change direction but the striker swore the goal was his and Pulici confirmed he was deceived by the ever so light touch.
From then on Lazio dominated and easily played out the match without running any risks. A good win for Lazio although Ascoli had played well for an hour and the score line was perhaps a little harsh.
Who played for Lazio
Cacciatori, Ammoniaci, Martini, Wilson, Manfredonia, Viola, Agostinelli (59' Badiani), Nicoli, Giordano, D'Amico, Cantarutti
Substitutes: Fantini, Tassotti
Manager: Lovati
Who played for Ascoli
Pulici, Legnaro, Anzivino, Scorsa, Castoldi (41' Trevisanello II), Perico, Pileggi, Moro, Ambu, Bellotto, Quadri
Substitutes: Brini, Roccotelli
Manager: Renna
Referee: R. Lo Bello
Goals: 25' Quadri, 42' Ammoniaci, 56' Giordano, 62' Giordano
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