Game 1, Serie B
Sunday, September 8, 1985
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio Palermo 2-1
Lazio win their first match of the season
This season there was a big financial problem. Giorgio Chinaglia was sure he would get money from the US but this was not happening. Dark clouds were hovering over the club.
In the Coppa Italia group stage Lazio were paired with Atalanta, Sampdoria, Monopoli, Taranto and Catania. After having beaten Catania in the first game, they drew 2-2 in Bergamo coming from two down, drew at Taranto and at home with Samp. Coming into the final game against Monopoli at the Olimpico the table read: Atalanta 6 points, Sampdoria 6, Lazio 5, Monopoli 4, Catania 2, Taranto 1, the top two teams would go forward. Last decisive games: Samp-Atalanta and Lazio-Monopoli. The goal difference would probably be fundamental: Samp and Atalanta were on +4, Lazio on +1. Atalanta and Samp drew 2-2, Lazio should have scored 3 or more to qualify but only managed 2, so they were eliminated.
Today was the first Serie B game.
The match: Sunday, September 8, 1985, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio did not even give the spectators time to start realising that a new season had begun that they were already ahead. In the 2nd minute indirect free kick just outside the Palermo box, Domenico Caso passed to Gabriele Podavini, big whack, Lazio 1 Palermo 0.
Alas, the advantage did not last long. In the 5th minute Oliviero Di Stefano from the right crossed into the box, Poda missed the ball and Giuseppe Guerini equalised. But in the 21st minute Lazio went ahead again. Corner taken by Fabio Poli, great volley from Giuliano Fiorini, a-la-Giorgio-Chinaglia, 2-1 for Lazio.
After the initial fireworks the game slowed down also due to the heat. The Biancocelesti controlled it trying not to make any more mistakes. Palermo tried to create chances but only managed a Onofrio Baroni shot which shaved the post. In the second half, in the 58th minute, the referee ignored a blatant foul by the Palermo goalkeeper on Fiorini. Palermo did then push forward but all they could muster was a Di Stefano shot parried by Astutillo Malgioglio.
Good start for Lazio.
Who played for Lazio
Malgioglio, Podavini, Calisti, Galbiati, Filisetti, Magnocavallo, Poli (87’ Calcaterra), Vinazzani, Fiorini (65’ Fonte), Caso, Garlini
Substitutes: Ielpo, Foschi, Toti
Manager: Simoni
Who played for Palermo
Paleari, S.Benedetti, Falcetta (68' Cecilli), Guerini, Bigliardi, C.Ranieri, Piga, De Biasi, De Vitis, Barone (64' Pallanch), Di Stefano
Substitutes: Longo, Ronco, Maiellaro
Manager: Angelillo
Referee: Esposito
Goals: 2’ Podavini, 5’ Guerini, 21’ Fiorini
Sources
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