Game 20, Serie A
Sunday, February 12, 1967
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Lecco 2-0
Lazio close this important game in the second half
In Serie A, the Biancocelesti had been disappointing. They were 13th, just one point above the relegation zone (four would go down to Serie B due to the decision to reduce the Serie A teams to 16 following the 1966 World Cup debacle against North Korea) and had a long way to go to get out of the troubled waters.
A win in today’s match was vital.
The match
Lazio came from three consecutive draws against Juventus, Fiorentina and Torino and were hoping to cash in two points especially because Lecco were bottom and also had Antonio Angelillo, Antonio Pasinato and Sergio Clerici out injured. Manager Maino Neri put in three forwards plus Giancarlo Morrone, a clear indication of intent.
Bagatti had the first chance in the beginning of the match with a header that went wide and another shot that Meraviglia saved on the second attempt. In the 26th minute Vito D’Amato dribbled past a couple of defenders and tried a shot which was only slightly too high. In the 31st minute he went off on the right past Attilio Bravi and sent in a perfect low cross that Morrone volleyed into the net. Lazio 1 Lecco 0.
Five minutes later there was a free kick for the Biancocelesti. Morrone tapped it to Romano Bagatti who whacked the ball towards the goal, but he hit the woodwork.
In the second half Lazio continued to dominate and in the 55th minute scored again. Bagatti crossed in the box, Saul Malatrasi tried to head the ball away but it was short and in came Antonio Maggioni who with an impressive and powerful volley scored the Biancocelesti’s second.
Practically game over with 35 minutes left. Lazio controlled the rest of the match and should have been given a penalty in the 85th minute when Arrigo Dolso was fouled in the box, but the referee took pity on Lecco and closed both eyes.
Good two points for the Biancocelesti, a little more room for optimism now.
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Neri
Who played for Lecco
Meraviglia, Facca, Bravi, Schiavo, Malatrasi, Bacher, Canella, Azzimonti, Incerti, Ferrari, Bonfanti.
Manager: Piccioli
Referee: De Robbio
Goals: 31’ Morrone, 55’ Maggioni
Sources
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