De Na-day
- Dag Jenkins
- Feb 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Game 20, Serie B
Sunday, February 7, 1982
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio-Sambenedettese 1-1
The Lazio midfielder De Nadai first scores an own goal and then equalises
Lazio had got off to a sluggish start with 1 point in the first 3 games (0-0 with Sambenedettese) but then picked up with 3 consecutive wins. Since then they had been inconsistent with 4 wins, 5 draws and 4 defeats. A week earlier Lazio had lost 0-3 at home to Palermo and manager Ilario Castagner had been sacked. The new manager was Roberto Clagluna from the U19s team.
Samb were currently 13th, on 18 points, two points from the drop zone. The Rossoblu had won 6, drawn 6 (including Lazio 0-0) and lost 7. Their most recent game had been a 1-0 away win against Pescara.
A balanced game was expected today. Neither team could afford to lose and it was one of the last calls for Lazio if they wanted to join the promotion race. It was also Clagluna's debut.
The match
A grey day with occasional rays of sun saw about 20,000 gather at the Olimpico.
Lazio were without Vincenzo D'Amico suspended after being sent off against Palermo while Sambenedettese were missing defenders Antonio Bogoni (he would unfortunately cross Lazio's path in 1983-84...) and forward Santo Perrotta.
Clagluna on his debut placed Michele De Nadai and Roberto Badiani wider on the wings and left Alberto Bigon and Fernando Viola in the middle. He did not have many options and had to do with the usual players apart from D'Amico.
In the early stages it became clear it would not be an easy afternoon. The visitors closed down all the spaces efficiently, Bruno Ranieri and Fabiano Speggiorin ran more than the whole Lazio team put together and Walter Speggiorin (Fabiano's cousin) was practically handcuffed by his marker Giancarlo Petrangeli.
The Lazio striker's only chance came in the 17th minute on a long range shot but it was off target.
Sambenedettese meanwhile threatened with Vanni Moscon who found space inside the area on the left but his inviting low cross was just missed by Franco Caccia who was a fraction late on his goal hunt.
In the 27th minute Moscon was forced off injured and on came Franco Falcetta. Falcetta, a full-back, took charge of a lively Claudio Vagheggi while Marco Rossinelli moved forward to midfield.
Three minutes later the Rossoblu from le Marche took the lead. It was unfortunate for Lazio as it was De Nadai, stretching to clear the ball with his left foot on a Schiavi cross, who put it into his own net. Lazio 0 Sambenedettese 1.
Lazio, despite having already lost three times at home, had the merit not to let their heads drop and pushed forward.
In the 38th minute Samb lost another player to physical problems as midfielder Michele Colasanto hobbled off and was replaced by Massimo Pedrazzini.
Two minutes later Lazio equalised. De Nadai went down the left wing but was blocked irregularly by both Ranieri and Schiavi. Viola floated the freekick into the area where De Nadai redeemed himself by beating Walter Zenga with a left-footed touch. Lazio 1 Sambenedettese 1.
Half time came with the score level and having found the equalised just before the break a Lazio onslaught was expected in the second half.
The siege however never materialised. Lazio attacked but with too much caution. They kept three defenders on Caccia despite the fact he was Samb's only striker and the visitors were clearly settling for a point.
A big chance for Lazio came in the 59th minute but Viola's effort was cleared off the goal line by Falcetta.
In the 75th minute Lazio put on talented young attacking midfielder Stefano Ferretti, but also took off Viola who had been one of the more creative players.
Lazio continued to attack but without the fierce determination necessary.
In the 88th minute Samb were reduced to ten men as Italo Schiavi committed his second bookable offence and was off.
Lazio had a last few desperate attacks. The most dangerous was set up by Vincenzo Chiarenza but his good move was wasted by Speggiorin and Giorgio Mastropasqua who lacked the lucidity to finish it off. Final score Lazio 1 Sambenedettese 1.
All in all, a disappointing afternoon. Lazio had not played badly but seemed to lack confidence and determination. The new manager was too cautious especially in the second half when a more offensive approach was needed.
Lazio at least moved up to joint 8th with Palermo, Cavese and Pistoiese on 21 points but the A zone was now four points away (Catania on 25) while the C zone was still four the other way.
Sambenedettese were now joint 12th with Foggia on 19, still with a two-point cushion on the Serie C slots.
Who played for Lazio
Pulici, Spinozzi, Chiarenza, Mastropasqua, Pochesci, Badiani, Vagheggi, Bigon, W.Speggiorin, De Nadai, Viola (75' Ferretti)
Substitutes: Marigo, Pighin, Sanguin, Garlaschelli
Manager: Clagluna
Who played for Sambenedettese
Zenga, Petrangeli, Rossinelli, Cavazzini, Cagni, Schiavi, Caccia, F. Speggiorin, Moscon (27' Falcetta), Ranieri, Colasanto (38' Pedrazzini)
Substitutes: Deogratias, D'Angelo, Garbuglia
Manager: Sonetti
Referee: Tani
Goals: 30' De Nadai (og), 40' De Nadai
Red card: 88' Schiavi (S)
Sources
Comments