THE NOTEBOOK | Genoa-Lazio 0-1, serious and joking notes: “If we end up in the Champions League I’ll become a brother”

by Giorgio BICOCCHI

Four victories in the last 5 matches: Lazio relaunches itself in Europe. And look, a month ago – after Sarri’s resignation – it wasn’t easy to get back on track… “But shouldn’t Sarri have given up on this before?”, writes – in an almost sacrilegious manner – a friend. However, the doubt also arises because we are all a little misled by what happened to the cousins… After a sleepy first half, we take the reins of the match into our hands and never let go. “Did you see the painter’s goal?”. Yes, in Luis Alberto’s winning goal – which means success – there is a bit of Lazio’s recent history: a little crazy, a little schizophrenic, capable of everything or nothing… Of course now the European prospects – buried a month ago, before the trip to Frosinone – are rekindled…

First half

– Shall we start with the fury inside? No, slow and predictable maneuver;

– And then Genoa tries: first with Ekuban, then with Retegui;

– The rossoblu also seem a little distracted in defense with several positioning errors. But we – as per practice – do not sting;

– Given the difficulties in entering the area, we begin to shoot from outside. First Felipe, then Lazzari. Gila again. How long has it been since we scored from outside? Perhaps for over a year with Vecino’s razor at the “Maradona”;

– Considerations on the individuals: Marusic still feels like a low outside player and never sinks. Kamada does the homework. The two attacking midfielders are scholastic. In short, without rhythm and even without fury, it is clear that it will be a complex race;

– After half an hour Genoa starts to push even with the defenders. For goodness sake, no fear for Mandas but it’s a clue…;

– “I believe that now they’re starting to attack everyone… whoever has to mark ours”, trills a friend from home;

– Taty, what are you doing? In front of the goal – albeit out of the way – he passes backwards for the degraded Luis Alberto. Which doesn’t get there… Don’t ask Taty to shoot on goal. She loves banks, not holes…;

– Lazzari gets hurt and leaves: after Zaccagni he perhaps also has the record for seasonal injuries…;

– And, right at the end of the half, we risk the patatrac. We waste a corner and Genoa starts again three against one. Luckily Ekuban kicks out and Gudmundsson is not needed. “Poor Lazio, how they have reduced you,” another friend messages us. Indeed, it is difficult to be optimistic in such an arid context;

– What to change in the recovery? We would need people with skill and pace. Maybe Rovella, Isaksen… Let’s see what Igor brings out of the hat…;

Second half

– You expect different attackers but Romagnoli comes on instead of the booked Casale. But Lazio is different. At least in spirit. And that’s already something…;

– Oh God, in truth we immediately register two or three disgraces. A wrong clearance from Mandas (work on it, Christos…), two free throws from Felipe and Kamada;

– “At least we increased the pace: the first half was good for the Under 60s…”. Here is a sarcastic comment from a friend;

– This time the ball turn is more confident. And quality helps. First the Magician – with a deflected shot – then Felipe, almost with a sure shot. And Romagnoli, with the head. In short, the notebook fills up. All our stuff;

– The goal is in the air. And it’s gorgeous. Felipe for Kamada. Low ball, Vecino’s veil for the magician’s right-footed shot. By procedure perhaps one of the most exciting goals of the season;

– Felipe exits, Pedro enters with Cataldi. Lazio holds their own against a distracted Genoa;

– We will keep fighting until the end. Without suffering much, actually. Heavy external success after yet another week full of turbulence, in all areas;

– “Aho, if we end up in the Champions League I’ll become a friar”, a young friend writes to us, suddenly attracted to the habit. Dear, don’t overdo it. Now everyone is convinced to beat Verona. And Juve, on Tuesday? Let’s try, after all we have nothing to lose…