Atalanta 1-1 Lazio: Motta’s Shoot-out Heroics Send Aquile to Coppa Italia Final
Atalanta 1-1 Lazio: Motta’s Shoot-out Heroics Send Aquile to Coppa Italia Final Lazio have punched their ticket to the Coppa Italia final after prevailing over their hosts Atalanta in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. The two sides had settled for a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Rome, but this time, there had to be a winner. The rivals couldn’t be separated after another 90 minutes in Bergamo, with the scoreline showing 1-1, while the extra time ended goalless.
Therefore, the contest had to be decided by spot-kicks, and Edoardo Motta emerged as the ultimate hero. Atalanta & Lazio Starting Lineups Nikola Krstovic led Atalanta’s 3-4-2-1 formation, supported by Nicola Zalewski and Charles De Ketelaere. Marten de Roon and Ederson operated in the double pivot, while Davide Zappacosta and Lorenzo Bernasconi took the wing-back slots.
On the other hand, Maurizio Sarri opted for his usual 4-3-3 system, with the in-form Tijjani Noslin leading the line, flanked by Matteo Cancellieri and Mattia Zaccagni. In midfield, Patric started between Kenneth Taylor and Toma Basic, while Adam Marusic made his return from injury, joining Nuno Tavares, Alessio Romagnoli, and Mario Gila at the back. Mario Gila Keeps Lazio Alive in First Half The first 45 minutes proved to be a timid affair, with both sides approaching the game with extra caution.
Nevertheless, Atalanta held possession for the vast majority of the first, and they were able to threaten on a few occasions. Luckily for the visitors, they were able to rely on the robust Gila to save the day. Krstovic was put through with a sublime vertical cross, but the Spanish defender was able to produce a perfectly-timed intervention to clear the danger.
Later in the first half, a cross from the left side was brought down to Zalewski, who aimed at goal from close range, but Gila appeared out of nowhere to block the shot with his body. On the other hand, Lazio’s best chance in the first half ensued in the 27th minute, when Cancellieri picked up a loose ball and ran towards the box, but his telegraphed shot was comfortably blocked by the backline. Lazio Saved by VAR After the break, Atalanta came close to scoring when Patric lost possession in a dangerous area.
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