Serie A | Lazio 3-2 Genoa – Thrilling second half sees three penalties and five goals

Lazio and Genoa played out a thrilling 3-2 match in Rome this evening, after a poor first half erupted into end-to-end excitement with five goals in the second, and three penalties.

Lazio came into the game mired by off-the-pitch controversy. The Stadio Olimpico was almost empty this evening, with Biancocelesti fans staging a protest about the club’s ownership. Meanwhile, Genoa fans are one of the travelling contingent that have been banned from attending away games for the season – leaving the Olimpico like a ghost town.

The Biancocelesti needed a win to restore some momentum and Maurizio Sarri will be delighted his side managed to pick up the points after a thrilling second half.

The first half was a dull affair, with both sides playing conservatively. Genoa looked dangerous on the break and had a couple of half chances that came to nothing.

The second half started much brighter, and it was not long before Aaron Martin was penalised for a handball on a cross from Gustav Isaksen, and a lengthy VAR review resulted in a penalty for the hosts. Pedro converted the penalty and it was just minutes later that Isaksen broke well down the right-flank and squared a good ball for Kenneth Taylor, who scored his first Lazio goal to double their lead.

Lazio looked as though they were heading for a comfortable victory when Genoa pulled a goal back after a Mario Gila handball off of a Malinovsky free kick. The Ukrainian stepped up to take the kick and scored it, before in similar fashion to Lazio’s double, Genoa equalised soon after.

A corner kick was sent in by Malinovsky, rattling off the cross bar before Vitinha was in the right place at the right time to bring the score back to 2-2.

The final fifteen of the ninety was open but neither team looked keen to over commit. Both coaches made a handful of attacking changes but neither were able to find a late winner in regulation time.

With seven minutes added, Lazio upped their intensity and a foolish handball in the final minute of the added time from Leo Ostigard gave Danilo Cataldi the chance to give the hosts a late winner from the spot. Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow did well to dive the right way but Cataldi’s penalty was too accurate and Sarri’s side emerged victorious.

You can follow all the action, as it unfolded, on our Live Blog.