Lazio’s” data-scaytid=”1″>Lazio’s Europa League progression is now out of their hands after they were held to a goalless draw in Romania.
In the penultimate match of their Group D campaign, both the Aquile and their opponents Vaslui knew that a win would take them into the knockout stages.
Lazio’s Europa League progression is now out of their hands after they were held to a goalless draw in Romania.
In the penultimate match of their Group D campaign, both the Aquile and their opponents Vaslui knew that a win would take them into the knockout stages.
Edy Reja was without the injured Andre Dias and ineligible Lionel Scaloni and Marius Stankevicius so was left with little option but to go with the best back four available, whilst a first-choice attack of Miroslav Klose, Djibril Cisse and Hernanes was fielded. Changes were made to midfield, with Lorik Cana and Alvaro Gonzalez joining Senad Lulic.
Klose had an early chance when put through by Gonzalez’ excellent pass but saw his effort saved by the opposition ‘keeper’s feet.
At the other end, former Bologna forward Adailton proved to be a danger from set-play, almost seeing Giuseppe Biava deflect one of his free-kicks into his own net and then finding the unmarked Mike Temwanjera who forced a good save from Federico Marchetti.
Vaslui finished the first 45 by forcing another good save out of Marchetti from Gladstone’s effort
The second half saw the home side’s Temwanjera have an effort ruled out for offside before Lazio substitutes Giuseppe Sculli and Tommaso Rocchi both missed good chances at the other end – Sculli notably fluffing his lines in the final minute in front of an open goal.
With the final 0-0 put against the 2-2 result Vaslui achieved in Rome in the reverse fixture, the Romanians are left with the upper hand going into the final round of fixtures.
Their better head-to-head record means Lazio will need them to drop points in matchday six if the Aquile are to have any hope of progressing to the knockout round.
Vaslui 0-0 Lazio
Vaslui: Cerniauskas; Milanov, Papp, Farkaş, Milisavljevic; Pavlovic, Adailton, Gladstone (Zmeu 71), Sânmărtean; Temwanjera (Bello 90), Buhaescu (Jovanovic 58)
Lazio: Marchetti; Konko (Kozak 87), Biava, Diakitè, Radu; Cana, Gonzalez, Lulic (Sculli 59); Hernanes; Klose, Cisse (Rocchi 72)
Ref: Mazic (SRB)