Simone Inzaghi has defended his decision to bring off Ciro Immobile after Lazio’s late missed penalty against Bologna. “Joaquin Correa was fresher.”

Inzaghi sacrificed Immobile on the hour mark after Lucas Leiva was sent off, but Correa fired a crucial spot kick on to the crossbar just before injury time as Lazio left Bologna with a 2-2 draw.

“There’s regret about our last two chances,” the Coach said after the match.

“I’m disappointed about not bringing home all three points because we deserved to.

“It was a difficult game, but the team kept the field well: we faced an organised Bologna, but even with 10 men we didn’t fall apart and we stayed in the game.

“Penalties are missed by those who take them. The penalty takes are Immobile, Luis Alberto, Correa and Jony.

“Correa felt it and it’s right that he took it. He must keep working like he is. I’m sure he'll get back among the goals soon.

“Ciro drives us on, but we went down to 10 men and I had to make a decision. We had a fresher Correa, a choice I think I paid for.

“Our penalty taker is Immobile, but he was already off by then. Correa took responsibility and hit the crossbar. It would’ve been the winning goal.”

Sinisa Mihajlovic was able to take to the Rossoblu’s bench, having been given the all-clear by leukaemia specialists.

“It was a beautiful meeting.  We couldn’t hug each other, but it was as if we had done: there was an understanding of looks.

“There’s a mutual respect and a friendship that has lasted for 20 years.  I’m sure he’ll win this battle.”

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