Game 4, Serie A
Sunday, September 29, 1963
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Genoa 1-0
Mari scores winner fifteen minutes from time and the Biancocelesti are now joint league leaders
Lazio had played three games so far in Serie A and were unbeaten. They had drawn 1-1 at home to Fiorentina on their debut, then won 1-0 away at SPAL and in the recent mid-week game drawn 1-1 at home to Milan. Lazio had 4 points and were currently joint 3rd with four other teams including Roma.
Genoa had 3 points. They had drawn 1-1 away at Bologna on their debut, lost 0-2 by default for a pitch invasion at home to Catania (they were 0-2 down after 76 minutes anyway) and then thrashed Roma 3-0 at home. Genoa were currently joint 8th with three other teams.
A difficult game to predict today between two teams of similar level.
The match
A sunny day attracted about 40,000 spectators to the Olimpico.
Lazio were without Juan Carlos Morrone who was injured with a slight muscular problem. Genoa too had a few absences, defender Antonio Colombo plus midfielders Bruno Baveni and Luigi Meroni.
Lazio started the game well and controlled the midfield. In the 13th minute, on a Mario Maraschi corner, a defender completely missed the ball but first Nello Governato and then Carlo Galli were not able to take advantage. In the 15th minute, after a superb Maraschi move, Galli fired over the bar. In the 22nd minute Maraschi hit the post with a low effort.
Lazio deserved to be in front by now and continued to be on top until halftime. Just before the break however, Genoa made an appearance in the Lazio area and even scored after a scramble but Paolo Carosi's unfortunate own goal was disallowed for a foul in attack on the Lazio defender.
The second half was different. Lazio looked tired after pushing for most of the first period and Genoa had more space as the game went on. The Rossoblu had shots with Franco Rivara in the 69th and Mauro Bicicli in the 74th but Idilio Cei was safe.
A minute later, in the 75th minute Lazio scored. Vincenzo Gasperi put forward a long ball from defence which Galli seemingly innocuously headed on but midfielder Vincenzo Occhetta and keeper Mario Da Pozzo hesitated allowing Alberto Mari to race on and get between them before lobbing the keeper. Lazio 1 Genoa 0. Lazio in front and a dream debut for Mari.
In the 83rd minute Lazio complicated things for themselves when Governato got himself sent off for dissent.
Lazio however held on without running any particular risks and brought home an important win.
A deserved one in the end as Lazio had been the better team, attacked more and created more chances.
Lazio were now top of the table with Juventus, Bologna and Milan all on six points. Next up was the derby.
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Lorenzo
Who played for Genoa
Da Pozzo, Fossati, Bagnasco, Occhetta, Bassi, Rivara, Bicicli, Locatelli, Piaceri, Pantaleoni, Bean
Manager: Santos
Referee: Marchese
Goal: 75' Mari
Red Card: 83' Governato (L)
Sources
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