Game 15, Serie A
Sunday, January 3, 1965
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio-Mantova 2-0
First half goals by Mari and Galli ease pressure on Biancocelesti
So far Lazio had played 14 games, winning 2, drawing 6 (including derby and Juventus away, both 0-0) and losing 6. The Biancocelesti were in joint 16th place on 10 points, only one above the last relegation slot (Messina on 9).
Against a team below them and at home, this was a must win game for Lazio. The visitors however had won their last two games and were on a bit of a high so Lazio had to be careful.
The match
A grey day in Rome but it had been a wet period and the pitch was heavy. A crowd of about 25,000 turned up at the Olimpico.
Lazio were without Danish midfielder Kurt Christensen while Mantova were missing full-back Piero Scesa.
The game came alive immediately. Lazio had shots by Diego Zanetti and Paolo Carosi and Mantova responded with a Gianfranco Trombini effort.
There was controversy in the 11th minute, first Carlo Galli was fouled by Roberto De Paoli, then Dino Zoff saved a Can Bartu shot with his foot and Sergio Pini blocked a Nello Governato strike with his arm. The Lazio players protested but the referee had seen nothing.
Mantova then had a penalty appeal of their own in the 17th minute when a strong challenge by Piero Dotti sent Trombini to the ground. Again, the referee waved to play on.
In the 22nd minute Lazio took the lead. Bartu started the move, Governato then put in the assist for Alberto Mari who volleyed in with his left foot. Lazio 1 Mantova 0.
The Lombards then reacted by pushing forward but the two strikers, Beniamino Di Giacomo and future Lazio Nicola Ciccolo, never really threatened.
Just before half, Lazio doubled their lead. In the 44th minute Galli was pulled down while jumping on a corner and this time the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Galli took it himself with a powerful strike under the crossbar. Lazio 2 Mantova 0.
A good first 45 minutes by Lazio who couldn't remember the last time they had been two goals up at the break, it had been so long.
At the beginning of the second half Mari missed an easy chance to possibly close out the game and then Lazio controlled the tempo for about fifteen minutes before starting to tire.
Mantova saw their opportunity and gained territory. Dotti put his body on the line to block a Ciccolo shot, Idilio Cei saved well on a powerful De Paoli effort and Torbörn Jonsson had an attempt go over the bar.
Mantova too then faded and Lazio were able to see the game out without running any further risks.
A good win for Lazio who had not won since November 22. The Biancocelesti were up to joint 15th with Genoa but more importantly now had a two-point cushion on third bottom Messina.
Mantova were now joint bottom with Cagliari.
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Mannocci
Who played for Mantova
Manager: Mari
Referee: Francescon
Goals: 22' Mari, 44' Galli (pen)
Sources
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