Sassuolo’s energetic start didn’t put European hopefuls Lazio off, as the Biancocelesti showcased their quality in the final third by forcing 41-year-old Gianluca Pegolo into a remarkable early save. Yet, it was the visitors who were left dealing with an early blow, not by conceding, but due to Ciro Immobile picking up a knock that forced Maurizio Sarri to bring on Pedro for the club’s all-time goalscorer inside 15 minutes.
The injury setback didn’t affect Lazio though, as they dominated the middle of the park led by the fleet-footed Mattia Zaccagni, restricting Sassuolo’s charge on the counter. The hosts raised the stakes on the verge of half-time, but instead ended up conceding the opener via a composed Zaccagni penalty, after defender Jeremy Toljan blocked a goal-bound header with an outstretched arm.
With 12 of their 15 league goals conceded this season arriving after half-time, Lazio adopted a rather conservative approach in a bid to retain their valuable lead, which could have been doubled if not for Felipe Anderson skying a presentable opportunity from close-range. Substitute Pedro then rippled the netting behind the goal with a powerful effort that went begging inches wide of the left post. With the clock ticking down, Davide Frattesi came close to upsetting Lazio with an equaliser, but saw his near post header fly inches past the crossbar.
Sassuolo were unable to find a response, and their struggles worsened when Anderson put the result beyond question deep into stoppage time. A first away win in four H2H matches hands Lazio a much-needed boost in their pursuit of the UEFA Champions League spots.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Adam Marušić (Lazio)
