Game 2, Serie A
Sunday, September 15, 1957
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio-Bologna 4-3
Seven goals, two posts, a late missed penalty, three red cards, a pitch invasion and more as Lazio edge Bologna
Lazio had lost a week earlier on their season debut, 1-3 away at Padova whereas Bologna had drawn 2-2 at home to Udinese.
On paper Bologna were the superior team but Lazio wanted to do well on their home debut.
The match
A nice, sunny day brought a big 60,000 crowd to the Olimpico for Lazio's home debut.
Lazio took the field without defender Nicola Lo Buono and forward Renzo Burini while Bologna were missing regular keeper Attilio Santarelli, defenders Giovanni Mialich, Mirko Pavinato and midfielder Francesco Rondon.
The game was open and end to end from the word go. Lazio took the lead in the 18th minute. It was defender Fedele Greco who put the ball in his own net after an outstanding burst by Arne Selmosson. Lazio 1 Bologna 0
Bologna did not waste time and equalised six minutes later. A Gino Pivatelli volley in the 24th minute gave keeper Bob Lovati no chance, 1-1.
Not content with drawing level, two minutes later the Felsinei went in front. In the 26th minute a perfect long distance shot by Humberto Maschio beat Lovati again and turned the game around completely. Lazio 1 Bologna 2.
Lazio however equalised almost immediately. In the 28th minute Luigi Bodi deflected a Pasquale Vivolo shot and gave Lazio the leveller with the second own goal of the afternoon. Bologna continued to be unlucky when Bernard Vukas hit the post before halftime. At the break Lazio 2 Bologna 2.
A highly entertaining game so far with both sides prioritising attack over defence.
Lazio started the second half on the front foot and after six minutes took the lead. A great Humberto Tozzi-Ermes Muccinelli move was finished off from close range by Vivolo. Lazio 3 Bologna 2.
Bologna responded but luck was not on their side again. Vukas drilled a powerful strike which hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced near the line. The classic dilemma on these lightning shots, over the line or not? The referee initially pointed to midfield but then was convinced by the linesman, who had a better view, that the ball had bounced back in play. The general consensus was that this was the right decision.
A few minutes later Lazio made it four. In the 63rd minute Selmosson delighted the crowd with his skills before firing in a shot on the far post. Lazio 4 Bologna 2.
Bologna however did not give up and continued to battle hard. In the 82nd minute Vukas, from a corner, was quickest to react in a crowded area and pulled a goal back. Lazio 4 Bologna 3.
The visitors were now fired up and continued to attack. Maschio had a shot go just wide and then came a hugely controversial moment. Adelmo Eufemi involuntarily touched the ball with his hand and the referee pointed to the spot kick. The Lazio fans were livid as the man in black had previously not whistled two seemingly blatant penalties for the home side for fouls by Bodi on Tozzi.
A few words about the referee before the penalty kick. He came from an incredibly wealthy family and was rumoured not to bother to train properly during the week. Fact was he had already made several mistakes in this game.
Back to the penalty kick and more drama. Lovati still had his back turned and was preparing for the shot when Pivatelli slyly took it early but hit it too weakly and Lovati turned, saved it with his foot and then crouched down on the ball.
What happened next was incredible. Pivatelli, fuming about his miss, raced up to Lovati and kicked him on the shoulder and hand causing him a fractured finger. Pivatelli was obviously sent off but more scuffles broke out between Ezio Pascutti and Arnaldo Lucentini which two pitch invaders even tried to join, one of them then attacked the referee pushing him to the ground. Chaos and confusion which four Carabinieri eventually resolved. Needless to say, Pascutti and Lucentini were sent for early showers too.
Lovati was carried off on a stretcher while Vivolo went in goal for the last few minutes. Lazio managed to hold on for a dramatic win. Lazio 4 Bologna 3.
A thrilling game full of goals, controversy and drama but a good win for Lazio.
Lovati forever the gentleman tried to make peace with Pivatelli in the changing room but was rejected. Lovati would be out injured for a month.
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Ciric
Who played for Bologna
Giorcelli, Rota, Bodi, Gasperi, Greco I, Pilmark, Cervellati, Maschio, Pivatelli, Vukas, Pascutti
Manager: Bencic
Referee: Bonetto
Goals: 18' Greco I (og), 24' Pivatelli, 26' Maschio, 28' Bodi (og), 51' Vivolo, 63' Selmosson, 82' Vukas
Red cards: 88' Pivatelli (B), Lucentini (L), Pascutti (B)
Sources
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