Game 4, Serie A
Sunday, October 11, 1959
Stadio Flaminio, Rome
Lazio Vicenza 2-1
A well-deserved victory for Lazio who survive Vicenza's late revival to earn the two points
So far Lazio had got off to a satisfactory start in the league. They had earned two 1-1 away draws (Bologna and Inter) and beaten Udinese at home.
A seemingly in form Lazio against a low on confidence Vicenza. A good opportunity for the Romans to take advantage of theoretically superior opposition.
The match
An almost capacity crowd at the small Flaminio stadium across the river from the Olimpico, with 25,000 spectators.
It was Orlando Rozzoni's home debut so there was curiosity to see the new signing.
Lazio started on the attack; it was nevertheless Vicenza who threatened first. Giuseppe Brognoli put in a dangerous cross but Renzo Cappellaro arrived just short. Lazio answered with a thundering shot by Claudio Bizzarri but it was well saved by Pietro Battara. In the 11th minute Amos Mariani crossed for Rozzoni who headed down for a Bruno Franzini shot but his powerful strike was walled by a defender's back.
Lazio insisted and Tozzi had two opportunities, on the first Battara came off his line well and dived at the Brazilian's feet and on the second his shot shaved the post.
In the 14th minute Nicola Lo Buono went off briefly to get some assistance from the physio.
In the 20th minute the visitors went close when Menti was clean through but Idilio Cei stood firm and blocked the shot.
In the 25th minute came a controversial episode when Giobatta Zoppelletto slapped Tozzi but it went unnoticed by the referee who, even after consulting the linesman, took no disciplinary action.
Lazio were constantly forward, with Maurilio Prini, Franco Carradori and Mariani particularly active but their finishing was imprecise. Halftime Lazio 0 Vicenza 0 but Lazio well on top.
The second half followed the same script. In the 47th minute Rozzoni's shot was too weak, then a few minutes later Bizzarri shot wide after a good Mariani run and cross and in the 53rd Carradori had a cracking long range shot spectacularly saved by Battara.
Lazio were queuing up and the goal finally came in the 56th minute. From a Mariani cross there was a prolonged scramble in the area which Rozzoni put an end to by turning and sending a crisp strike past Battara. Lazio 1 Vicenza 0.
Lazio continued on the front foot and had several chances to double their lead. A Bizzarri header went close from a Mariani cross and then Bizzarri went on a solo run but his final effort was saved by the Biancorosso keeper.
Meanwhile, Lo Buono was again forced off the field for a few minutes after a hard challenge by Giulio Savoini.
In the 79th minute Lazio finally scored again. Rozzoni went on a great individual surge and set up Humberto Tozzi, the keeper cleared with his fist but Rozzoni was there again to put the ball in the back of the net. Lazio 2 Vicenza 0 and a fairer reflection of Lazio's dominance so far.
At this point Vicenza threw caution to the wind and pushed forward. In the 87th minute, following a defensive blunder, Traverso pulled one back, teed up by Giuseppe Brognoli. Lazio 2 Vicenza 1.
In the dying seconds the "Lane" almost equalised when Marcello Agnoletto hammered a long range shot just over the bar. It would have been cruel on Lazio who had been in control for almost the entire match. Final score Lazio 2 Vicenza 1.
A well-deserved win for Lazio and a dream debut for Rozzoni, who went off to a standing ovation. Lazio were up to joint 2nd place in the table behind leaders Juventus and next up the derby.
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Bernardini
Who played for Vicenza
Battara, Burelli, Baston, De Marchi, Zoppelletto, Traverso, Menti, Agnoletto, Cappellaro, Brognoli, Savoini
Manager: Lerici
Referee: Famulari
Goals: 56' Rozzoni, 79' Rozzoni, 87' Traverso
Sources
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