Game 5, Serie A
Sunday, October 9, 1983
Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa
Sampdoria Lazio 1-1
A goal down after 40 seconds and after hosts having several more chances, Lazio rescue draw with a Giordano penalty
So far, the season had, as expected, been difficult. Lazio had lost two against Verona 2-4 and Juventus 0-1 (but playing well against the Bianconeri), drawn one (Genoa 0-0 away) and won one (Inter 3-0 at home).
Both teams needed points and Sampdoria had already lost both previous home games, so Lazio would be keen to exploit any possible psychological issues affecting the Doriani.
The match
A grey October day in the port city of Genoa attracted 30,000 to the old Marassi.
The match had barely started when Sampdoria scored. A left-footed cross from the right by Domenico Marocchino came across the area and, untouched by anyone, sneaked in off the far post. A mix of skill, luck and keeper's hesitancy. Anyway, not even one minute gone (40 seconds…) and Sampdoria 1 Lazio 0. A shock start for the Biancocelesti.
A perfect start for the Doriani who could control and take advantage of the spaces Lazio would inevitably have to concede.
The game plan went as expected, the Biancocelesti attacked and Samp struck on the break. Lazio, however, were never dangerous but thanked the Blucerchiati's wastefulness on the break to be only one nil down at halftime. Sampdoria 1 Lazio 0.
There were no substitutions during the interval although Lazio had already been forced to change an injured Rinaldo Piraccini with Enrico Vella after 36 minutes.
The second half was similar to the first but Sampdoria just could not put the game to sleep. They had their chances, the biggest when Roberto Mancini had only Massimo Cacciatori to beat but managed to hit the Lazio keeper, desperately coming off his line.
In the 65th minute the home side possibly threw Lazio a lifeline when they replaced Mancini with more defensive Francesco Casagrande. Lazio could attack but the constant threat of being punished on the break diminished. Lazio answered by putting a more attacking and former Samp defender Vincenzo Chiarenza for Arcadio Spinozzi.
In the 71st minute Lazio had their first real chance of the game. Giancarlo Marini put Michael Laudrup plain through, but Ivano Bordon pulled off a brilliant save and pushed the ball out for a corner.
Sampdoria finally threw away the deserved two points in the 79th minute. A back heel by Laudrup reached Claudio Vinazzani just inside the area where he was naively pushed from behind by Giovanni Guerrini. Pairetto immediately pointed to the penalty spot, Bruno Giordano stepped up and sent Bordon one way and a hard, low shot to his left. Sampdoria 1 Lazio 1.
At this point Sampdoria were demoralised and tired while Lazio were more than pleased with their away point. Final score Sampdoria 1 Lazio 1.
Sampdoria were kicking themselves for not having scored a crucial second goal while Lazio were relieved to have got off lightly. The Biancocelesti however were well aware they would have to improve if they were to have a relegation worry free season.
Who played for Sampdoria
Bordon, Galia, Vierchowod, Pari, Guerrini, Renica, Marocchino, Scanziani, Chiorri, Brady, Mancini (65' Casagrande)
Substitutes: Rosin, Bellotto, Aguzzoli, Picasso
Manager: Ulivieri
Who played for Lazio
Cacciatori, Miele, Spinozzi (65' Chiarenza), Manfredonia, Batista, Vinazzani, Cupini, Marini, Giordano, Laudrup, Piraccini (36' Vella)
Manager: Morrone
Referee: Pairetto
Goals: 1' Marocchino, 78' Giordano (pen)
Sources
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