Game 27, Serie B
Sunday, March 23, 1969
Stadio Appiani, Padua
Padova Lazio 0-0
Lazio had the chances to win but only managed a draw. The table however is looking healthy
The Biancocelesti came into today's game in 2nd position, on 31 points. They were two points behind leaders Brescia and two above 3rd placed Reggiana.
Today was a classic game between two teams with opposite objectives but equally important.
The match
A cloudy, cold and showery day in Padua but good playing conditions, in front of about 7,000 spectators. The kick-off was preceded by a minute's silence in memory of Roma player Giuliano Taccola who had collapsed and died on the field at Cagliari a week earlier.
The difference in quality between the two sides was clear from the start. Lazio had several chances to take the lead early on. In the 2nd minute Ferruccio Mazzola II was dangerous but Claudio Galassi saved with his upper body, a few minutes later Juan Carlos Morrone shaved the post, in the 9th Giorgio Sereni cleared off the line and then Giuseppe Massa was anticipated by Luigi Villa. In the first fifteen minutes it was all Lazio, confirmed by their six corner kicks.
Padova occasionally tried to strike on the counter attack but it was Lazio who threatened again when Mazzola II burst into the area after a one-two with Massa but Galassi raced off his line and saved. On the half hour a Nello Governato effort was again cleared off the line by Piero Fraccapani.
Padova's only shot towards goal came from Giuseppe Fusi but it went wide. Halftime Padova 0 Lazio 0. Lazio could and should have been in front.
In the second half Lazio continued to have the upper hand. A Piero Cucchi shot was just off target and then Morrone was just beaten to the ball before striking towards goal from a favourable position.
Padova then had a chance of their own but Pietro Fioravanti was safe on a Paolo Bergamo shot.
Lazio then pushed forward looking for a winner but both Cucchi and Massa were unable to finish off inviting opportunities. Final score Padova 0 Lazio 0.
A missed opportunity by Lazio who had dominated for long periods but were not clinical in their finishing. An away point was not to be looked down on but today it should have been two.
Some good news however came from the other grounds. Lazio now had a four-point cushion on 4th place as Genoa had lost while Reggina and Bari had drawn. One game less to go and a slightly improved situation, no use having too many regrets about today’s game.
Padova on the other hand were still in the same situation, a worrying one. The Patavini were now solitary 19th (Cesena had won) but on the positive side now had three teams only one point ahead, Lecco (who had lost), Monza and Cesena.
Who played for Padova
Galassi, Cervato (65' Boscolo), Fusi, Villa, Fraccapani, Sereni, Gori, Fraschini, Bergamo, Brignani, Vigni
Substitutes: Buso
Manager: Rosa
Who played for Lazio
Manager: Lovati
T.D: Lorenzo
Referee: Panzino
Sources
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