Game 15, Serie A
Sunday, February 1, 1976
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Como 3-2
Lazio come from behind to beat Como in crucial relegation clash
Lazio were currently in 14th position (out of 16), on 9 points. The Biancocelesti desperately needed a win today.
So far Como were struggling. They were in 15th position, on 7 points, two behind Lazio.
This was clearly an absolutely crucial game for both sides today. It was not decisive as it was only early February but the result would say a lot about the two teams' chances of survival.
The match
A grey, showery day saw about 25,000 gather at the Olimpico.
Maestrelli relied on the "old guard" for this vital game and played nine Italian champions from 1974.
The field was slightly heavy but playable. Lazio started out on the attack but Como responded with attacks of their own.
In the 14th minute Lazio took the lead. Gigi Martini charged down the right and crossed low to Renzo Garlaschelli who was agile and quick to anticipate defender Roberto Melgrati and score. Lazio 1 Como 0.
Lazio could hardly enjoy their goal that Como equalised. In the 16th minute Alessandro Scanziani crossed into a crowded area, no-one got a touch and it reached Pino Wilson who, in an attempt to pass it to keeper Felice Pulici, put it in his own net. An unfortunate goal but Lazio 1 Como 1.
Lazio did not react well to the set back and had difficulty creating any clear-cut chances before halftime. Lazio 1 Como 1.
A predictably tense and tight first period. Lazio thought they had cracked it but were let down by an unlucky and rare mistake by their captain.
The second half started slowly until the Olimpico was stunned by Como's second goal. In the 56th minute Pasquale Iachini won a challenge with Roberto Badiani and crossed to Renzo Rossi who headed past Pulici. Lazio 1 Como 2. The crowd were under shock and staring Serie B in the face.
This time luckily Lazio stirred and fought back. In the 63rd minute a move started by Gigi Martini and Totò Lopez reached Giorgio Chinaglia in the area, "Long John" was surrounded but managed to touch the ball to Garlaschelli who poked it past Antonio Rigamonti. Lazio 2 Como 2.
Maestrelli then took off a subdued Vincenzo D'Amico and threw on Giovanni Carlo Ferrari who was also celebrating his birthday. The tactical move worked and in the 65th minute the birthday boy scored. Martini crossed from the right and a Silvano Fontolan header flicked the ball backwards to Ferrari who then volleyed it into the top hand corner. Lazio 3 Como 2. A surprising turn around in two minutes.
Lazio now closed ranks and defended stoically,, helped by the fans who understood the importance of the two points against direct rivals, a four pointer as they say.
Lazio ultimately defended well and clinched the crucial win. A moral boosting win and a desperately needed two points. On today's performance however, it would be a long and tough battle to stay up.
Lazio moved up to 12th, on 11 points (with Verona and Sampdoria), Como stayed rooted on 7 while Cagliari were on 6. Next up Lazio vs Sampdoria.
Who played for Lazio
Pulici, Petrelli, Martini, Wilson, Polentes, Badiani, Garlaschelli, Re Cecconi, Chinaglia, D'Amico (63' Ferrari), Lopez
Manager: Maestrelli
Who played for Como
Rigamonti, Melgrati, Bodini, Garbarini, Fontolan, Guidetti, R. Rossi, Correnti, Scanziani, Pozzato, Iachini
Substitutes: Tortora, Martinelli, Roda
Manager: Bagnoli
Referee: Bergamo
Goals: 14' Garlaschelli, 16' Wilson (og), 56' R. Rossi, 63' Garlaschelli, 65' Ferrari
Source
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