Lazio Milan 1-1

Season 1988-89

Game 20, Serie A

Sunday, March 5, 1989

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Lazio Milan 1-1

A Sosa penalty levels after Van Basten's lead

So far Lazio had played 19 games. The Biancocelesti had won 2, drawn 11 and lost 6. They were on 15 points and in joint 12th place with Cesena but only one point above the relegation zone. The highlight was beating Roma on January 15 with a Paolo Di Canio winner. It was Lazio’s first derby win for ten years. Lazio however were having difficulty winning games as the eleven draws testify. A week before today's game Lazio had lost 3-4 away to Torino and today came another difficult challenge against reigning champions A.C Milan

Milan were currently in 4th place on 24 points, 8 behind leaders Inter. The Devils had won 9, drawn 6 (including Lazio 0-0) and lost 4 (including derby 0-1). A week earlier however they had trounced Pescara 6-1 at home.

The Rossoneri looked as if they were giving priority to Europe this year but they were still favourites this afternoon.

The match

A sunny, spring-like day gathered about 45,000 at the Olimpico.

Lazio only had Claudio Sclosa unavailable.

Milan dominated the game early on. They constantly had the ball and Lazio's only weapon seemed to be Rubén Sosa on the counter attack.

Lazio's keeper Silvano Martina was a little distracted early on, in the 8th minute he was saved by Nelson Gutiérrez and in the 22nd he fumbled a Roberto Donadoni effort. Donadoni had another shot go over the bar and Martina then parried well on a Paolo Maldini strike.

In the 23rd minute Milan scored. Ruud Gullit powered down the right and crossed into the middle where Marco Van Basten headed in to Martina's left. Lazio 0 Milan 1.

Milan seemed in control but in the 35th minute came the unexpected. Frank Rikjaard made a rare but bad defensive error and the ball reached Sosa who raced forward and was pulled down in the area by Gullit. The Uruguayan then slotted in the penalty to Galli's left. Lazio 1 Milan 1.

Lazio went back into their own half and reached the break still level. A first half more or less dominated by Milan who had been let down by one defensive mistake.

For the second half Milan brought on Angelo Colombo for an invisible Pietro Paolo Virdis. Bringing on a midfielder meant Gullit played further forward. This was actually where Materazzi had expected the Dutchman to play from the start so Lazio's game plan became more effective and Milan lost creativity in midfield.

Milan still pushed forward but also appeared little tired after their mid-week trip to Germany.

In the 54th minute however Gullit hit the crossbar with a freekick. Lazio responded with a free kick of their own but Andrea Icardi's powerful effort was well over the bar.

Alberico Evani then hit the side netting with a left-footed drive from the edge of the box.

Lazio then had a huge chance on the break. Raimondo Marino entered the area on the right and had only the keeper to beat but instead of shooting went for a pass to Sosa who was anticipated in the middle.

In the 75th minute a blistering long range shot by Evani hit the crossbar again.

In the 79th minute Lazio replaced midfielder Antonio Elia Acerbis with forward Gustavo Dezotti.

The game however had said what it had to say. Milan ran out of energy and Lazio were pleased with a point. Final score Lazio 1 Milan 1.

A good point for Lazio who had battled hard against superior opponents. Milan had not been at their best and not lucky, committing a huge defensive error and hitting the woodwork twice. Sacchi had also possibly helped Lazio by changing the tactical setup in the second half.

Lazio were now solitary 12th but with a two-point cushion on the last B places (Torino and Como on 14).

Milan were still 4th but now 9 points behind leaders Inter.

Who played for Lazio

Martina, Marino, Monti, Pin, Gregucci, Gutiérrez, Beruatto, Icardi, Di Canio, Acerbis (79' Dezotti), Sosa