Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio were punished for their wasteful work in the final third, allowing a struggling Udinese to escape with all three points after a tense 2-1 victory.
The Biancocelesti came into the match with a point to prove after their painful evening in the Champions League last week, suffering elimination at the Round of 16 stage after a 3-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich.
Udinese also felt the pressure to perform as Serie A reaches the business end of the season, picking up just three wins across their first 27 matches, leaving them tied on points with relegation candidates Hellas Verona.
The first half at the Stadio Olimpico started as expected, with Lazio quickly taking control of proceedings and putting Udinese under pressure. Mattia Zaccagni hit the post early, suggesting danger for the Friulian outfit.
Despite their on-pitch dominance, resilient defensive work from the Friulian side continued to deny the Biancocelesti, leaving them frustrated as the first half ticked by. Despite having nine shots, none were on target for the hosts, raising the tension at the Stadio Olimpico.
The second half started in incredibly chaotic fashion; barely moments after the whistle blew, Udinese managed to find an opener after sloppy defensive play allowed the visitors to break into the box, where Hassane Kamara drilled a low ball into the danger zone.
Lorenzo Lucca reacted quickly and managed to poke his foot out to connect, guiding the ball past Ivan Provedel to make it 1-0.
Before the dust even managed to settle, Lazio managed to find an almost immediate response thanks to star winger Mattia Zaccagni, who darted down the wing before slipping into the box, where his cross deflected off Lautaro Giannetti and crept into the back of the net, tying things up at 1-1.
The insanity continued from kick off as the Bianconeri broke forward, immediately putting the hosts under pressure. The ball made its way to an unmarked Oier Zarraga, who was easily able to place the ball into the far corner from just outside the penalty area, putting Udinese 2-1 up.
Finally, both teams began to settle again, allowing the players to breath as play slowed. Things quickly returned to their first-half state, with Lazio applying endless pressure but failing to look convincing in front of goal.
Nehuen Perez earnt himself a red card in extra time after a tactical foul to deny Valentin Castellanos the chance to break free.
Lazio were ultimately unable to find the right rhythm in the final third, allowing Udinese to escape north with a vital three points, securing their fourth win of the season. The Biancocelesti’s top four hopes now look extremely slim with 10 matches left to play.