Lazio survive Venezia scare to make record-breaking start

The final scoreline did not fully reflect Venezia’s strong first-half performance. The home side created a series of promising openings and will wonder how they failed to take a lead against a Lazio team that initially looked well below the standards expected from a side that had won three of their opening four league matches under Gennaro Gattuso.

Match highlight

Venezia were handed an early opportunity when Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas brought down wing-back Thierry Correia following a defensive lapse. Mandas immediately redeemed himself, though, diving low to his left to keep out John Yeboah’s penalty from 12 yards.

The Greek goalkeeper continued to frustrate Venezia. He reacted sharply to save a powerful Simon Sohm volley, while Antoine Hainaut later delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal that narrowly evaded the waiting runners at the far post.

Venezia continued to press and created another outstanding opening through Akor Adams, who was played in by Yeboah. Once again, Mandas stood tall to deny him. Hainaut then bent an effort towards goal, but the Lazio goalkeeper was equal to that test as well.

Lazio’s best chance before the break arrived through Matteo Cancellieri, who drove forward from the right wing and sent a powerful curling effort narrowly wide of Filip Stanković’s goal. It was a warning that ultimately proved decisive.

Gattuso’s half-time intervention appeared to transform Lazio. The visitors emerged with a far greater sense of purpose and were rewarded with a penalty after Yeboah fouled Kenneth Taylor. Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni stepped up and confidently fired into the top-left corner, scoring his first goal of the season.

The visitors doubled their lead on the hour mark. Former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares delivered a superb cross, and Tijjani Noslin arrived at the near post to head the ball into the bottom corner. It followed his goal against Milan the previous weekend and effectively ended Venezia’s hopes of a response.

Lazio controlled the remainder of the contest with much greater authority to seal a valuable victory. The result represents the best five-game start in the club’s Serie A history, with 13 points collected, and sends them level at the summit.

For Venezia, the concern is growing rapidly. Despite an encouraging first half, they remain pointless and must convert positive performances into results if they are to avoid another difficult battle against relegation.