Lazio-Milan 3-2

Season 1949-50

Game 26, Serie A

Thursday, February 23, 1950

Stadio Nazionale, Rome

Lazio-Milan 3-2

A Remondini winner gives Lazio great win and dents Milan's title hopes

So far Lazio were in 5th place. The Biancocelesti had won 10 (including Roma 3-1 and Juventus 2-1 away), drawn 7 (including recent derby 0-0) and lost 7.

Milan was currently in 2nd place, only one point behind leaders Juventus. They came from six consecutive wins (including Juventus 7-1 away). The Rossoneri had won 18 (including Bari 9-1 and Pro Patria 7-1), drawn 3 and lost 4 (including an incredible derby 5-6 to Inter). The game at home to Lazio in October had ended in a goalless draw.

Milan were favourites today but Lazio were improving.

The match: Thursday, February 23, 1950, Stadio Nazionale, Rome

A glorious, sunny day in the capital attracted a capacity crowd of about 35,000 with many spectators not able to get in.

Lazio were without midfielder Flavio Cecconi and forward Aldo Puccinelli while Milan had forward Enrico Candiani missing, replaced by Aurelio Santagostino.

In the first twenty minutes Milan were in control with quick and precise movements but Lazio's defence stood firm. The Rossoneri were superior but Leandro Remondini and Francesco Antonazzi in particular were superb. In the first quarter Lazio hardly got out of their own half.

Then in the 24th minute Lazio unexpectedly scored. Vittorio Sentimenti III won back possession and served Mario Magrini who took a few steps forward and let off a blistering shot from about 30 metres out which into the top hand corner. Lazio 1 Milan 0.

Milan were now less flashy but still dangerous. In the 26th minute Dionisio Arce bicycle kicked the ball to safety from near the goal line. In the 30th minute the Rossoneri were awarded a penalty. Santagostino teed up Nils Liedholm who was about to shoot when he was pulled down by Remondini. Gunnar Gren took it and, despite Lucidio Sentimenti IV getting a hand to it, managed to equalise. Lazio 1 Milan 1.

Three minutes later the Lazio keeper dived low at Gunnar Nordahl's feet to avoid the danger.

In the 36th minute Lazio took back the lead. Norberto Höfling lobbed the ball to Enrique "El Flaco" Flamini who lobbed hesitant Omero Tognon and Carlo Belloni, Lorenzo Buffon was just about to come out to catch the ball when Romano Penzo pounced and headed in. Lazio 2 Milan 1.

Halftime came with the Romans still in front. Lazio had defended brilliantly for prolonged periods and seldomly attacked but had struck twice.

In the second half Milan had far more difficulties threatening. Nordahl pulled back a bit but Gren was absent today, Renzo Burini too isolated and Liedholm marked well by Romolo Alzani.

Milan's equaliser therefore came a bit out of the blue. In the 60th minute Liedholm put in a good cross and his compatriot Nordahl headed in from close range. Lazio 2 Milan 2.

Two minutes later Lazio were awarded a freekick at the edge of the box for a foul by Tognon on Arce. Remondini took it while Magrini joined the Milan defenders in the wall but then at the last second moved away and that's exactly where the ball passed. Buffon was caught unawares, Lazio 3 Milan 2.

Lazio at this point decided to go for the old "catenaccio" to defend the fort. Their backline was solid as a rock and the visitors struggled to get into the Biancocelesti's area.

The Devil tried with long range shots by Liedholm, Tognon, Carlo Annovazzi and Nordahl but none of them worried "Cochi" Sentimenti. Final score Lazio 3 Milan 2.

The players and fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle. A great win for Lazio against Scudetto candidates. A success based on superb defending, resilience and hard work by the whole team.

Lazio were now joint 4th with Fiorentina on 31 points. Milan were still second but now three points behind leaders Juventus who had won 4-1 away at Pro Patria.

Who played for Lazio

Sentimenti IV, Antonazzi, Remondini, Furiassi, Alzani, Sentimenti III, Höfling, Magrini, Arce, Flamini, Penzo I