It's possible I go into Lazio games with the mindset that the match will be boring, and thus see the boring play that I have predicted, but it sure seems that, aside from the goal in the second minute from Mauro Zárate, today's game against Cesena has been a snooze. Cesena have had a grand total of one shot on target, and while Lazio had plenty of chances, they also wasted the majority of them, apparently believing that one goal would be sufficient.
Lazio Vs. Cesena: Mauro Zarate Goal Enough To Claim 1-0 Victory For The Biancocelesti
And in the end that one goal was enough for all three points, proving that betting on one against the Seahorses was likely not a risky wager. The second minute goal came from Zárate, who picked up a pass from Giuseppe Sculli to poke the ball in from close range. That’s the first goal in three months for the Argentine, and while it may not have been spectacular it certainly was necessary.
Shortly after the restart, Lazio had a chance to double the lead, but Francesco Antonioli got a hand to it, pushing the ball into the post. With ten minutes remaining, Zárate had another shot at goal, but the ball sailed over the top of the net, while Alvaro González refused to pass the ball, wasting a chance instead.
Cesena, meanwhile, had just one real chance, but Marco Parolo’s shot was weak and Fernando Muslera easily smothered the ball. The visitors gave 19 year old Roope Riski his debut, with the Fin making an impact quickly when Muslera collided with his leg when making a save, leaving the keeper looking dazed and confused.
A boring match, perhaps, but one with a definite impact on both the European places and the relegation battle. Lazio temporarily reclaim fourth place, but an Udinese win on Sunday against Catania will see them fall back to the Europa league positions. Cesena will be hoping that Lecce can't pull off a miracle against Inter Milan, and that Juventus will end their run of poor luck and easily beat Brescia.
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