Lazio fall flat in frustrating Conference League loss to AZ Alkmaar

Lazio failed to maintain their early momentum against AZ Alkmaar and suffered a 2-1 loss to the Eredivisie side in the first leg of their Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie.

The Biancocelesti came into the European clash with the wind in their sails after an impressive 1-0 win away to league leaders Napoli, but they only managed to show flashes of this brilliance against their Dutch opposition at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio have looked unconvincing in Europe this season and fell to the Conference League after a third place finish in their Europa League group, when the team looked a far cry from the side currently in the Champions League spots.

Maurizio Sarri’s side went ahead after 18 minutes thanks to a well-worked goal by Pedro, whose agility in the AZ box allowed him to swoop in for a Mattia Zaccagni cross.

Lazio continued to look strong for the first half but it soon became clear that AZ were settling into the match and eventually their hard work was rewarded.

The Dutch outfit took advantage of some sloppy passing from the Biancocelesti just before half time and Vangelis Pavlidis poked the ball past Luis Maximiano to draw AZ level in the closing moments of the first 45 minutes.

Lazio looked a little bereft of creativity in the second half and their lethargy was noticed by AZ, who found their second just after the hour mark, when some poor defensive organisation and quick feet from the Eredivisie side allowed Milos Kerkez to put AZ 2-1 up.

Sarri’s side almost found an immediate response but Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s effort was denied by the crossbar, a symbol of the team’s disappointing evening in Rome.

Lazio continued to push as the half progressed but their efforts were frustratingly fruitless, forcing them to accept defeat in the first leg of the Conference League Round of 16 tie.