Lazio -Torino 1-0

Season 1983-84

Game 24, Serie A

Sunday, March 25, 1984

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Lazio -Torino 1-0

As several times before in their history, Vincenzo D'Amico comes to Lazio's rescue for crucial win

So far, the season in Serie A had, as expected, been difficult. Lazio lost the first but then surprisingly crushed Inter 3-0 at home. It was an illusion as Lazio then struggled.

In December, Morrone was replaced by Paolo Carosi and things were not helped by Bruno Giordano breaking his leg at Ascoli on December 31. After the 15 away fixtures the Biancocelesti were 15th (out of 16), on 9 points, but only 2 from safety. In the first 6 return games Lazio had then picked up 7 points (including two wins, an away draw at Inter and a recent draw in the derby in ten men). There was still hope.

Lazio had then drawn 0-0 at home to Milan but then collapsed 0-3 to relegation rivals Avellino.

Lazio were currently 13th with 17 points but on the same points as Napoli and occupied the 3rd bottom slot.

The table was not a pretty sight: Catania 10, Genoa 14, Napoli 17 Lazio 17, Pisa 18, Avellino 19.

Today's game was not easy as Torino were having a good season but had not won away since December 18 giving Lazio some hope.

The match

A pleasant late March day in the capital attracted about 40,000 spectators to the Olimpico.

Lazio were as usual without Bruno Giordano, out injured since December. Torino had no absences.

Lazio's game plan was clear from the onset, a tight defence and quick counterattacks. This strategy was helped by what happened after only five minutes. A Michael Laudrup run reached the edge of Toro's box, he then squared the ball brilliantly across to the right where Vincenzo D'Amico pushed it forward and blasted it mid-height past Giuliano Terraneo. Lazio 1 Torino 0.

A perfect start for the Biancocelesti and the ideal situation for their game plan.

Torino started to attack immediately and Fernando Orsi saved well on a Domenico Caso effort.

Torino threatened again but Daniele Filisetti managed to clear a Walter Schachner effort off the goal line.

Lazio defended but their solid midfield limited the Granata's attacks.

In the 38th minute Lazio were forced to take off a hobbling Claudio Vinazzani and put on Rinaldo Piraccini.

Lazio reached halftime with the single goal lead thanks to scoring early and then being compact and concentrated defensively.

The second half was similar with Torino pushing forward but inconclusive and Lazio ready to counterattack.

Angelo Cupini had a good effort saved by Terraneo and then Laudrup had a goal disallowed for an extremely doubtful offside.

In the 68th minute D'Amico went off to a standing ovation and was replaced by Giancarlo Marini.

Two minutes later Torino took off Renato Zaccarelli and brought on Marco Rossi.

The last twenty minutes saw the visitors putting pressure on Lazio’s defence but without creating anything particularly dangerous.

Lazio resisted and clinched a hugely important win.

Grit, determination and discipline had earned Lazio the two points today plus the superior talent of Laudrup and D'Amico. Lionello Manfredonia in midfield had an excellent game too, increasing his credentials to be called up for the national team.

Torino had an off day and never really came to terms with Lazio’s sheer numbers in midfield. Too many of their players underperformed and the Granata were ultimately undone by Lazio's early goal and subsequent perfect tactical setup.

The table was now looking a little healthier for the Biancocelesti. It read; Catania 10, Genoa 15, Pisa 18, Napoli 19, Lazio 19, Avellino 21… slightly more comforting.

Toro were still 4th but now six points behind leaders Juventus and two behind 3rd placed Fiorentina (last UEFA slot) and only one ahead of Inter.

Who played for Lazio

Orsi, Miele, Filisetti, Spinozzi, Batista, Podavini, Vinazzani (38' Piraccini), Manfredonia, D'Amico (68' Marini), Laudrup, Cupini