Zaccagni’s Penalty Keeps Lazio’s Streak Alive in 2-1 Win Over Cagliari
Lazio edged out Cagliari 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico, moving to fifth in Serie A as Mattia Zaccagni’s penalty dashed Cagliari’s hopes of their first win in Rome since 2013. Boulaye Dia’s early goal and Zaccagni’s calm spot-kick helped the Biancocelesti extend their unbeaten home run in league play to 11 games.
Fast Start for Lazio
Lazio wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Boulaye Dia scoring in the 2nd minute after Simone Scuffet parried Luca Pellegrini’s free-kick. This goal marked Dia’s 24th Serie A strike, solidifying his place among the top Senegalese scorers in Italian league history. Cagliari, facing a difficult task after two goalless losses, looked rattled as Lazio pressed with Taty Castellanos hitting the woodwork and Scuffet scrambling to deny further damage.
Cagliari’s Response and Lazio’s Penalty
Cagliari found a response late in the first half when Zito Luvumbo’s deflected shot equalized, catching Ivan Provedel off-guard. The visitors then tried to carry their momentum into the second half, but Lazio’s resilience shone through. After a last-ditch defensive block by Sebastiano Luperto and near-miss from Castellanos, Lazio was awarded a penalty when Nadir Zortea fouled in the box. Zaccagni stepped up to convert, putting Lazio back in the lead with 15 minutes left.
Late Red Cards End Cagliari’s Hopes
Cagliari’s comeback hopes faded fast, with Yerry Mina and Michel Adopo both receiving red cards within minutes, reducing the visitors to nine men. Lazio’s victory keeps them within three points of Serie A leaders Napoli and extends their head-to-head unbeaten streak against Cagliari to 19 matches.