In the 17th match day of Serie A 2023/2024, Empoli went head to head with Lazio at the famed Castellani stadium.
A spirited contest concluded with a victory for Lazio, marked by a final scoreline of Empoli 0, Lazio 2.
The match began with palpable energy. As early as nine minutes into the game, Lazio snatched the first goal. Notably, Guendouzi was the scorer, seizing the moment amidst a chaotic scramble in the penalty area of Empoli.
At the 17-minute mark, Zaccagni raised a penalty claim following a challenge from behind by Ebuehi. The referee, however, let the play continue.
By the 21st-minute mark, Lazio’s sharpshooter, Immobile, was forced to exit the field due to a hamstring injury, creating a valuable opportunity for Castellanos to step in.
In the 28th minute, Luis Alberto also had to leave the game due to an injury.
Lazio held onto their edge in the first half, although Empoli regained some control towards the end of the half.
Subsequent to a promising start by Lazio, Empoli emerged as dominant in the late stretches of the initial half.
The first half culminated with two added minutes, ending with Lazio leading.
Moving into the second half, the twisted plot of the match continued. In the 51st minute, Provedel executed a masterful save in defense to a close-range shot from Cambiaghi. A similar accomplishment by Provedel unfolded eleven minutes later when he thwarted a long-range strike from Daniel Maldini.
Doubling Lazio’s advantage, Zaccagni scored the second goal in the 67th minute. Upon checking VAR for a potential foul during the play, the goal was validated.
Even though Empoli used their full quota of subs, they could not breach the staunch Lazio defense. Battles raged on with Empoli on the attack, but Lazio stood firm in defence.
The final whistle went off following four minutes of injury time, sealing a successful outing for Sarri-led Lazio.
In recognition of his efforts, Guendouzi was hailed as the Man of the Match.
Among the Empoli line-up were Berisha, Ebuehi, Walukiewicz, Luperto, Bastoni, Fazzini, Grassi, Maleh, Cambiaghi, Cancellieri, and Maldini, under the guidance of coach Andreazzoli.
On the other hand, Lazio saw the likes of Provedel, Marusic, Gila, Patric, Pellegrini, Guendouzi, Rovella, Luis Alberto, Felipe Anderson, Immobile, and Zaccagni, led by coach Sarri.