Coppa Italia, Group Phase, Game 2
Sunday, September 1, 1974
Stadio Flaminio, Rome
Lazio Genoa 2-2
Lazio toil to 2-2 draw with second tier Genoa
The league would not start until October 6 but in August-September there was the Coppa Italia to play. Lazio were in a group with Atalanta, Genoa, Pescara and Roma. So far Lazio had played one game, drawing 0-0 away to Atalanta. Today was their first official game in Rome with the Italian flag sewed onto the shirts in recognition of their status as champions.
Italian Champions against Serie B opposition, needless to say Lazio were expected to win.
The match
A capacity crowd in the small Flaminio stadium for Lazio's first home game since winning the Scudetto. It was a hot evening with a "scirocco" wind bringing sand from the Sahara Desert to the capital.
Lazio had the title winning team out with the exception of Roberto Badiani instead of Franco Nanni.
Lazio started at an extremely high tempo but Genoa managed to hold their own and played on the counterattack. In the 13th minute however, Lazio scored. The Biancocelesti had a freekick on the side of the area, Mario Frustalupi floated the ball in and Vincenzo D'Amico headed into the corner of the goal. Lazio 1 Genoa 0 and a rare goal with his head for the "Golden Boy", better known for his dribblings and assists.
Genoa reacted well with veteran Mariolino Corso pulling the strings in midfield. Lazio slowed down, maybe thinking most of the hard work had been done. The two full-backs Gigi Martini and Sergio Petrelli tended to push up together leaving Lazio vulnerable at the back.
In the 28th minute the visitors had a freekick at the edge of the area. Corso sent it into the middle where Giancarlo Oddi clashed with Roberto Pruzzo and the ball arrived to Tiziano Mutti who did not think twice and blasted it past Felice Pulici. Lazio 1 Genoa 1.
Lazio were in confusion while Genoa were on a high. In the 37th minute the Serie B outfit took the lead. On a high freekick from the side-line Pruzzo outjumped the defenders and headed in. Lazio 1 Genoa 2.
Lazio were in shock, tense and frustrated by this unexpected turn of events. They attacked furiously however and equalised five minutes later. In the 42nd minute Frustalupi put in a low cross which Petrelli lunged in on and with an outstretched leg put the ball in the back of the net. Lazio 2 Genoa 2.
Lazio almost went into the break in the lead but Renzo Garlaschelli hit the crossbar so it was all square after the first 45 minutes, 2-2.
An eventful first half with Lazio struggling against an unexpectedly competitive Genoa side.
The second half was less exciting. Lazio came back on determined to put things straight and attacked continuously. The Genoa defence however held firm and as Lazio's energies faded even threatened on the counter attack.
In the 72nd minute the visitors took off striker Pruzzo for midfielder Paolo Mariani to protect the precious and prestigious result.
Ten minutes later both sides made changes, Lazio replaced Frustalupi with forward Paolo Franzoni and Genoa substituted Roberto Rosato with Mauro Della Bianchina.
The heat and lack of match fitness had taken its toll by now and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
A disappointing debut for Lazio in front of their own fans. A reality check for the Italian champions, every team would be out to get them now. One thing is to win once, however amazing the feat, another is to do it again. Unlike the northern clubs, Lazio were not used to winning and they were now in unexplored territory.
Who played for Lazio
Pulici, Petrelli, Martini, Wilson, Oddi, Badiani, Garlaschelli, Re Cecconi, Chinaglia, Frustalupi (82' Franzoni), D'Amico
Manager: Maestrelli
Who played for Genoa
Girardi, Mutti, Bittolo, Gregori, Rosato (82' Della Bianchina), Mendoza, Bergamaschi, Pruzzo (72' Mariani), Arcoleo, Corso
Substitutes: Lonardi, Rossetti, Marchini
Manager: Vincenzi
Referee: Lazzaroni
Goals: 13' D'Amico, 27' Mutti, 37' Pruzzo, 42' Petrelli
Sources
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