Game 23, Serie A
Sunday, March 25, 1973
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Atalanta 2-1
Lazio with several absences and others not at best suffer but clinch important win
After 22 games Lazio were joint second with Juventus, on 31 points, behind leaders Milan on 34. So far, Atalanta were in joint 11th position with Verona and Sampdoria, on 18 points. The drop zone was only two points lower down, Vicenza on 16.
Today was a fundamental league game for both sides.
The match
A cloudy but dry day in north Rome brought 50,000 spectators to the Olimpico.
The Biancocelesti were without several key players: Renzo Garlaschelli and Mario Facco were injured, Luigi Polentes had flu and Gigi Martini was suspended. In addition, Luciano Re Cecconi and Mario Frustalupi were playing but not fully fit. It was the first time this season Lazio had to do without so many players and there was a certain degree of apprehension on how they would react.
Atalanta started with confidence and it was clear it could be a difficult afternoon for the Biancocelesti. Fortunately, the Eagles of Rome scored with their first real chance. In the 9th minute Franco Nanni took a corner and it came back off the post to Giacomo La Rosa who was in the right place at the right time to score. Lazio 1 Atalanta 0 and an early lead.
Atalanta restarted where they had left off before Lazio's goal, dominating midfield and causing the Biancocelesti a lot of problems. The Lazio defenders Pino Wilson and Giancarlo Oddi had to work overtime to cope with Giuliano Musiello, Raffaello Vernacchia and Sergio Pellizzaro's attacks.
Lazio had some space on the break but Giorgio Chinaglia who was not at his best did not exploit Giambattista Moschino's ideas.
In the 37th minute the Orobici were rewarded for their efforts and found the equaliser. Frustalupi fouled Vernacchia and Ottavio Bianchi floated in the freekick to the forward whose header hit the post, the ball then rolled and hovered on the line before Alberto Carelli crashed in and definitely put it over. Lazio 1 Atalanta 1. A fair outcome so far and also the halftime score line.
In the second half the Bergamaschi possibly made the mistake of merely trying to defend the draw. This despite having taken the initiative in the first and realising Lazio were in difficulty.
They let the Biancocelesti attack them and gave the Biancocelesti the belief they could win it. Lazio's moves were often confused and disorganised but a goal can come in many ways. It came in the 66th minute when Re Cecconi blasted a powerful long range shot past Marcello Grassi. Lazio 2 Atalanta 1.
Only now did the visitors start playing more offensively and in the 71st minute had a huge chance to draw level. Carelli found himself with only Felice Pulici to beat but he managed to put it wide.
Lazio had further chances on the break but first La Rosa hit the post and some minutes later Chinaglia confirmed his poor form when he pulled his shot wide from a good position.
Atalanta were not able to change gear again and gradually faded allowing Lazio to control the remaining minutes without risking much. Final score Lazio 2 Atalanta 1.
Not a dominant win for Lazio but an important one. The Biancocelesti had suffered but Atalanta ultimately paid for their lack of ambition and courage in the second half.
Lazio were still joint second and three points from Milan but behind, Inter and Fiorentina had both lost so it looked like a three horse race. Now came the international break so, for the next game away at Cagliari the Biancocelesti hoped to have some of their injured players back and have others back on form. The title race was on.
Atalanta now only had a one-point lead on Vicenza who had drawn at fellow relegation candidates Sampdoria. Things were not looking good for the Goddess.
Who played for Lazio
Pulici, Petrelli, Nanni, Wilson, Oddi, Re Cecconi, La Rosa, Moschino, Chinaglia, Frustalupi, Manservisi
Manager: Maestrelli
Who played for Atalanta
Grassi, Maggioni, Divina, Scirea, Vianello, Bianchi, Carelli, Vernacchia, Musiello, Pirola, Pellizzaro
Substitutes: Pianta, Picella
Manager: Corsini
Referee: Francescon
Goals: 9' La Rosa, 36' Carelli, 66' Re Cecconi
Sources
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