Matteo Guendouzi’s first goal in the Lazio jersey proved enough to defeat Genoa and set up a Coppa Italia quarter-final against either Roma or Cremonese.
Luis Alberto, Alessio Romagnoli, Nicolò Casale and Mattia Zaccagni missed out, while Matias Vecino was dropped over disciplinary measures. The Grifone had Morten Frendrup suspended, plus Albert Gudmundsson, Kevin Strootman, Caleb Ekuban and Mattia Bani injured.
It took just five minutes to break through, as Luca Pellegrini won back possession, burst down the left and pulled back to the edge of the box, where Guendouzi steered his finish into the far bottom corner. It was the midfielder’s first goal for the Biancocelesti.
Mateo Retegui robbed Mario Gila only to fire straight at Ivan Provedel, then fired over from close range following a Patric error.
Gustav Isaksen limped off with a suspected muscular issue after 26 minutes, replaced by Felipe Anderson.
Guendouzi found Pedro at the back post with a well-placed pass that the veteran was unable to make the most of, prodding it into the arms of Nicola Leali.
There was a complete lack of communication for Lazio after the restart when Pedro stood the ball up to the back post, where teammates Felipe Anderson and Taty Castellanos both went for it, colliding heavily.
Retegui had another great opportunity to equalise, but Gila flung himself in the way to get a crucial block on the finish from six yards. It was so impressive a tackle that even Retegui congratulated him on it.
Pellegrini’s cross found a Felipe Anderson free header turned inches wide from 12 yards, then Ciro Immobile stung Leali’s gloves after twisting and turning past a defender.
Immobile sent Toma Basic clear on goal through the centre only for the midfielder to prod it into the arms of the goalkeeper from 12 yards.
Ruslan Malinovskyi blasted over from distance and there were some penalty appeals for Pellegrini’s push on Seydou Fini, but Lazio held on for the victory.
Lazio 1-0 Genoa
Guendouzi 5 (L)
Player statistic
| Mattéo Guendouzi (Assist: Luca Pellegrini) |
 |
6' |
| 49' |  |
Pablo Galdames | ||
| 86' | |
Seydou Fini | ||
| Luca Pellegrini | |
90+4' |
Match statistic
