Game 26, Serie B
Sunday, March 20, 1983
Stadio Renato Curi, Perugia
Perugia Lazio 1-1
A last gasp goal from Vella gives Lazio a deserved draw
The Biancocelesti had started well and had reached top position but things changed in the new year and Lazio started to struggle a bit. In the first ten games of 1983 they drew six, lost two and won only two. They lost the top spot to Milan, but kept a comfortable cushion of five points over the fourth placed teams.
That cushion had to be maintained at all costs.
The match
Perugia is only a few hours away from Rome, hence the Umbrian town was invaded by quite a number of Lazio fans that filled the entire Curva Sud.
It had never been easy at Perugia for Lazio, and this match was a confirmation. The Grifoni started well and scored after just ten minutes. Long high cross in the box from Giovanni Pagliari, Moreno Morbiducci jumped higher than Marco Saltarelli and headed the ball in.
Lazio had trouble getting things organised and Perugia dominated. However after the initial onslaught, the Grifoni became more cautious and the Biancoceleste midfield took over especially with Enrico Vella and Roberto Tavola.
In the second half, Lazio had more control of the game even if there was a lot of confusion. Bruno Giordano hit the crossbar and post with a thundering shot from outside the box in the 47th minute. Perugia had a double chance first with a Morbiducci header off a Pagliari cross but Fernando Orsi saved, and then Morbiducci hit the woodwork in the 57th minute. Lazio increased pressure and Giordano had a couple of chances but it was not his day.
Just when all hope seemed lost, Lazio equalised. With thirty seconds to go, Perugia were unable to clear the area properly, Vella pounced towards the loose ball and headed into the goal.
A well deserved point for Lazio on a difficult pitch.
Who played for Perugia
Di Leo, Amenta, Ceccarini, Caneo, Ottoni, Sanguin, Piga, Ciardelli (68' Zagano), G.Pagliari, De Gradi, Morbiducci (81' Caso)
Substitutes: Marigo, Mauti, Zerbio
Manager: Agroppi
Who played for Lazio
Orsi, Podavini, Saltarelli (83’ Badiani), Vella, Miele, Manfredonia, Ambu, Tavola, Giordano, Surro, Sciarpa (68’ Chiodi)
Manager: Clagluna
Referee: Agnolin
Goals: 10’ Morbiducci, 89’ Vella
Sources
Comments