Lazio ahead, just Guendouzi
Lazio-Genoa 1-0
Lazio beat Genoa 1-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia for the 13th consecutive year, while the Ligurians had not reached this round since 1991-92. Guendouzi’s goal, scored in the fifth minute, decided the match. Sarri opted for a semi-titular lineup, while Gilardino gave space to players who have had fewer opportunities so far, introducing Retegui, who has just returned to the field after his physical problems, in attack. In the quarters, Lazio will challenge the winner between Roma and Cremonese, who will face each other on Jan. 3.
Lazio started quietly, but surprised everyone and took the lead the moment the fans sat down. It was a perfect action, orchestrated by Pellegrini in the three-quarter, who served Guendouzi in tow: a precise shot, with the perfect angle, and the Frenchman gave himself his first goal in the biancoceleste shirt. Despite the crackling start, the pace drops and chances are not frequent. Gila makes a mistake near his own area, but Retegui fails to take advantage of the opportunity. Genoa comes close to equalizing with Kutlu, but accuracy is not è on its side. Pedro and Felipe Anderson try for the hosts, but Leali responds present.
The second half did not see an increase in the pace of play either. After a mistake by Gila, Retegui had an excellent chance but è was stopped by a Spanish defender good at recovering. Referee Sacchi made a fiscal but fair decision: he asked Immobile to relinquish the captain’s armband to Pedro, who had been chosen as deputy and had just replaced Immobile. In the final minutes, Lazio deservedly maintained its lead, creating two good chances with Felipe (header foiled by the goal) and Immobile (Leali parries).
Finally, Basic kicked weakly from a favorable position. The match è ended with Lazio qualifying for the quarterfinals for the 13th consecutive time and without conceding a goal for the sixth consecutive time at home. The choices of the two coaches had a great impact on the match, as Sarri went for a semi-titular lineup while Gilardino fielded several reserves, paying the consequences.
