Lazio Triumphs Over Milan in Coppa Italia Thriller

Rivalry Reignites: Lazio Edges Past Milan in Coppa Italia

Just five days after their controversial Serie A showdown, Lazio and Milan renewed hostilities in the Coppa Italia, with the Biancocelesti securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico. The win, courtesy of a decisive header from Felipe Anderson Zaccagni, sends Lazio into the quarter-finals and sets up a clash against Bologna, while Milan's quest for silverware suffers a setback.

A Tactical Battle from the Start

Under the lights in Rome, managers Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri served up a classic tactical chess match. Sarri lined up his familiar 4-3-3, with Ivan Provedel (Francesco Mandas) in goal, a back four of Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, and Pellegrini, and a midfield trio of Guendouzi, Vecino, and Basic supporting Isaksen and Castellanos in attack. Allegri countered with his 3-5-1-1 system, relying on Mike Maignan between the sticks, a defensive trio of Tomori, De Winter, and Pavlovic, and a fluid midfield featuring Saelemaekers, Ricci, the impressive Jashari, Rabiot, and Estupinan, with Leao as the lone striker.

The first half was a cagey affair, played at a measured pace. Neither side managed to create clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges. Lazio enjoyed more possession, patiently probing the Milan defense, but found it difficult to break down the Rossoneri's compact block. Milan, conversely, looked to hit on the counter-attack, particularly through Leao, though the Portuguese winger was largely kept quiet. The most notable moment arrived just before the break when Maignan produced a stunning reflex save to deny a powerful, close-range volley from Isaksen following a Lazio corner. The half ended goalless, reflecting the tight nature of the contest.

Zaccagni Breaks the Deadlock

The second half began with both managers looking for a spark. Sarri made his first changes on the hour mark, replacing Vecino and Castellanos with Dele-Bashiru and the lively Noslin. Allegri soon responded, bringing on Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric for Loftus-Cheek and Jashari, injecting experience and directness.

The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute. Substitute Nuno Tavares, introduced earlier, delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Zaccagni, peeling off his marker with perfect timing, met the ball with a superb, twisting header that flew past the despairing dive of Maignan. The goal silenced the Milan contingent and ignited the Curva Nord.

Milan Pushes, Maignan Rescues

Trailing, Milan launched a desperate late assault, pushing men forward in waves. Substitute Olivier Giroud's replacement, though not mentioned in the initial lineups, was likely Pulisic, who went close with a deflected effort that Mandas tipped around the post. The Rossoneri enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, culminating in a crucial intervention from Maignan in the 85th minute. The French goalkeeper pulled off another miraculous save, tipping a fierce, point-blank range strike from Noslin over the bar to keep his side in the game.

Despite their late surge, Milan couldn't find an equalizer. Chances went begging, notably when Leao, clean through on goal following a brilliant Estupinan pass, lifted his shot high over the bar in the 71st minute. The final whistle blew on a dramatic night, confirming Lazio's place in the next round.

What's Next?

For Lazio, the focus shifts to preparing for their quarter-final encounter against Bologna. Sarri will be buoyed by the performance and the clean sheet, though he'll know challenges lie ahead. For Milan, Coppa Italia hopes are extinguished for this season. Allegri must now regroup his squad, focusing their energies on the Serie A title race and other competitions. The immediate aftermath will see plenty of analysis of the tactical battle and the impact of the substitutions, particularly the introduction of Modric and Pulisic failing to yield a goal.

"Non ci sono supplementari, chi vince trova il Bologna."

The old adage held true – no extra time, just a winner who progresses. On this occasion, it was Lazio who emerged victorious in a captivating Coppa Italia clash.