Game 30, Serie A
Sunday, June 1, 1930
Stadio Rondinella, Rome
Lazio Torino 1-0
Lazio, with more to play for, defeat a relaxed Toro with a goal by their top scorer
This 1929-30 season was the first single national Serie A table.
So far Lazio had struggled in this new league formula. The Biancocelesti had won 8, drawn 8 and lost 13. They were on 24 points.
With five games remaining today's game meant more to Lazio, who needed points to avoid relegation, than Torino who were without title hopes or relegation worries.
The match
A perfect day for football in Rome, bright and warm.
Before kick-off Lazio gave the Torino and Italy captain, Adolfo Baloncieri, a silver cigarette holder for his achievements. He was one of the few surviving players from the title winning side; others were Feliciano Monti, Enrico Colombari, Mario Sperone and Gino Rossetti.
Lazio too had a few absences in Orlando Tognotti, Renato Bottacini and Marino Furlani.
Straight from the 16.10 kick-off Lazio took siege on the Granata area. Lazio had several chances: a Mario Malatesta shot well saved by Stevan Tommei, a Luigi Ziroli bicycle kick just wide and a Ugo Ciabattini effort over the bar. The biggest opportunity however was for the visitors. A perfect through ball by Rossetti put Francesco Imberti in front of goal but the youngster incredibly put a feeble shot wide. Lazio regained control and had an excellent shot by Pietro Pastore saved, various scrambles and half chances to take the lead. Lazio on top but halftime 0-0.
The second half started at a faster pace. Torino were more positive and Ezio Sclavi had slightly more to do. It was Lazio, however, who scored in the 54th minute. Malatesta passed to Pastore who, seeing everyone marked tried a shot, the ball struck the crossbar and bounced back into play where Ziroli nodded it in to score, with the keeper still on the ground. Lazio 1 Torino 0.
Torino reacted but it was Lazio again who went closer to scoring. Ziroli in particular was lively with several shots either saved or just out and Pastore missed an open goal. Lazio were almost punished in the 77th minute, but Sclavi was alert on a dangerous low cross.
Then it was more from Lazio again. More pressure and a thundering shot by Carlo Cevenini that hit the underside crossbar and bounced near the goal line. A corner each at the end did not bear any fruits and the game came to an end. Lazio 1 Torino 0.
The fans applauded both teams and again showed their respect and appreciation to Baloncieri.
Lazio had deserved the win. They had spent three-quarters of the match in Torino's half and had more chances. Standout players were Cevenini and Malatesta but especially match winner Ziroli.
Torino paid for the lack of motivation. The old guard had played well but were not helped by the younger players especially in attack.
Who played for Lazio
Sclavi, Mattei II, Saraceni II, Foni, Pardini, Caimmi, Ciabattini, Malatesta, Pastore, Ziroli, Cevenini V
Manager: Molnar
Who played for Torino
Tommei, Panosetti, Monti III, Vay, Colombari, Sperone, Casaro, Baloncieri, Imberti, Rossetti, Silano
Manager: Stürmer
Referee: Guarnieri
Goal: 54' Ziroli
Sources
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