Season 1953-54
Game 14, Serie A
Sunday, December 27, 1953
Stadio Comunale, Trieste
Triestina Lazio 1-1
Triestina ahead in first half against run of play but Lazio equalise in second after hosts miss a penalty.
So far, in Serie A Lazio had won 5 (including Juventus 2-1 and Torino 1-0 away), drawn 3 (including derby 1-1) and lost 5. The Biancocelesti were mid-table with 13 points.
Today's game was open to any result. A lower mid-table clash between two teams anxious not to sucked down into the relegation battle.
The match
A cold, grey day in the north-east but with the occasional ray of sun. A crowd of 15,000 for this Christmas period clash.
The match started with Lazio far more positive. Despite the heavy pitch the Biancocelesti passing was sharp and precise. In the 2nd minute Per Bredesen set up Pasquale Vivolo who went past Renato Valenti and hammered a shot that went just over the bar.
Lazio insisted and in the 7th minute hit the crossbar twice. Aldo Puccinelli floated a freekick into the area where Alberto Fontanesi coordinated himself and with a bicycle kick hit the woodwork. The ball came back into play on the left where Vivolo shot but again hit the crossbar, the ball was then cleared by the keeper.
Triestina tried to threaten on the break but in the 16th minute it was Lazio who went close again. A good team move by Vivolo and Puccinelli could have been finished off either by Renzo Burini or Fontanesi but they got in each other’s way and Gianfranco Ganzer cleared but only as far as Puccinelli, whose shot was saved into corner. A huge missed opportunity.
If you do not take your chances, it's likely you will be punished. That's what happened soon after. In the 21st minute Triestina scored, Secchi headed to Erling Sorensen who headed it back to Secchi who surged forward and beat Lucidio Sentimenti IV. Triestina 1 Lazio 0, completely against the run of play.
Lazio were under shock and Triestina almost doubled with Secchi again. It took a superb dive by Sentimenti IV to deny the Giuliano striker his brace. Half time Triestina 1 Lazio 0. Lazio still ruing all their missed opportunities but they would have to forget them and start again if they did not want to be punished again.
In fact, in the second half the game could have gone either way. Triestina started strongly but in the 56th minute Burini had a dangerous volley saved by Gino Cantoni. In the 58th minute Vivolo, teed up by Fontanesi, found himself one-on-one with the keeper but Cantoni bravely came off his line and dived low at the Lazio striker's feet.
In the 61st minute the Alabardati had a colossal chance to possibly clinch the game. Secchi was sandwiched in the area by Sentimenti IV and Serafino Montanari and collapsed, rolling in the area. Francesco Liverani was persuaded and pointed to the penalty spot. Fortunately for Lazio, José Curti wasted it, putting the ball wide.
In the 72nd minute another massive possibility for the hosts to double their lead. On a Curti cross, Sorensen had a free header but "Cochi" Sentimenti IV incredibly leaped across and saved the ball on the goal line, the loose ball was then cleared by Montanari.
The same footballing law that had rewarded Triestina in the first half then came back to punish them. If you don't score your chances there's a high probability you will be made to pay.
In the 77th minute Lazio had a freekick outside the box. Vivolo tapped it to Puccinelli who pretend to cross but then lined it up for Vivolo's strike and what a strike. The ball flew off his boot and soared into the top hand right corner. A cracking shot. Triestina 1 Lazio 1.
At this point both teams, having had their chances, did not have the energy to go for a winner. Full time Triestina 1 Lazio 1.
A game of two of two halves as they say. Lazio could have scored at least three in the first half, but then Triestina had the better in the second and could and should have closed it with the penalty. Lazio then did well to claw their way back and earn a decent away point.
Who played for Triestina
Cantoni, Maldini, Valenti, Petagna, Ganzer, Trevisan, Lucentini, Curti, Secchi, Sorensen, Rossetti
Manager: Rocco
Who played for Lazio
Sentimenti IV, Antonazzi, Montanari, Fuin, Sentimenti V, Bergamo, Puccinelli, Bredesen, Vivolo, Burini, Fontanesi
Manager: Sperone
Referee: Liverani
Goals: 21' Secchi, 77' Vivolo
Sources
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