Filip Djordjevic and Senad Lulic scored to give Lazio their third consecutive victory, but their real hero was Antonio Candreva, who created both goals in the 2-0 win. Fiorentina gifted the first half to the visitors, who seized the opportunity and took the lead. While the viola looked much better in the second half, it wasn't enough to stop Lazio from doubling their lead late in the match.
Fiorentina vs. Lazio: Final Score 0-2; Lazio make it three in a row
Lazio weren’t at their best, but an uninspired first-half performance by the hosts left Fiorentina chasing the game, and ultimately resulted in all three points from the Biancocelesti.
Fiorentina may have impressed with a 3-0 victory over Inter Milan last weekend, but either the win or the international break seemed to have taken a toll, with the hosts unable to threaten much. Lazio saw more of the ball, although it took time for them to create much of anything.
After a rather boring first half-hour, Fiorentina finally came into the game -- and that’s when Lazio took the lead, against the run of play. From a counter, Candreva zipped down the right, sending in a low cross. Djordjevic was quicker than Stefan Savic and put the ball in behind the Fiorentina keeper.
With the first half drawing to a close, Djordjevic nearly returned the favor, serving up Candreva. This time, however, Neto managed a great save to keep his team in the game.
Fiorentina looked like a different team in the second half, helped along by the introduction of Borja Valero. His presence seemed to enliven his side, and soon David Pizarro was standing over the ball for a free kick. Alberto Aquilani got hold of the ball, chipped over the wall, but his fantastic bicycle kick ricocheted off the post. But the home side continued to pile on the pressure, creating chance after chance, unable to place them on target.
As the game progressed, it was harder for the viola to break down Lazio’s cattenaccio, and they became more nervous. It looked as though they’d be helped by the outrageous eight minutes of extra time, but instead, after a free kick near Lazio’s box, Juan Cuadrado lost the ball. Lazio took advantage, going three-on-one with Candreva racing down the left. He slotted over to Lulic, just a few meters in front of goal. Despite calls for offside, the goal stood.
Fiorentina: Neto ; Alonso, Savic, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Aquilani (Bernardeschi 77'), Pizarro, Kurtic (Borja Valero 46'); Mati Fernandez; Babacar (Ilicic 68'), Cuadrado
Lazio: Marchetti; Cavanda, De Vrij, Ciani (Novaretti 67’), Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Mauri (Onazi 58’); Candreva, Djordjevic (Klose 89’), Lulic
Goals: Djordjevic 35’, Lulic 92’
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