Lazio maintained their outstanding run of form with a 2-1 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, securing a sixth consecutive Serie A win and opening up a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Both sides created openings during an energetic start. Alieu Fadera fired narrowly wide after the ball fell to him inside the area, while Gustav Isaksen sent an effort over the crossbar at the other end.
Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile was soon forced into action, first saving from Davide Frattesi before making an even better stop to keep out Mattia Zaccagni’s attempt from the edge of the box.
Lazio continued to apply pressure but were caught out when M’Bala Nzola slid in at the near post to convert Fadera’s cross. It was Nzola’s second goal in as many appearances and the first time Lazio had fallen behind since matchday three.
The hosts responded quickly. Tijjani Noslin picked out Isaksen, who produced an excellent finish into the top corner for his fourth goal in five matches.
Cagliari nearly restored their advantage before half-time when Jacopo Fazzini pulled a shot narrowly wide. Lazio nevertheless reached the interval without trailing, extending their record as the only Serie A team yet to be behind at half-time this season, with five wins and five draws in that situation.
The visitors started the second half with attacking intent and came close to scoring again when Jose Pedro failed to make clean contact with a corner. The ball struck his shoulder and went over the bar.
Christos Mandas then dealt with a deflected long-range effort from Michel Adopo as Cagliari’s pressure increased, although Lazio remained dangerous. Kenneth Taylor’s free-kick forced Caprile to parry the ball away, and the midfielder later went close after a flowing passing move, side-footing just wide.
Having watched city rivals Roma beat Cagliari on Tuesday, Lazio were determined to claim the same result. They finally found the decisive goal in the 83rd minute when two substitutes combined: Alfonso Pedraza delivered into the box and Andrea Pinamonti headed home, prompting jubilant celebrations from the Biancocelesti.
Cagliari’s task became even harder when Adam Obert received a second yellow card for a foul on Isaksen and was sent off.
The defeat was Cagliari’s fourth in succession. Lazio, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in nine of their past 10 league matches, winning nine and drawing one, and continue to strengthen their position as serious title contenders.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Andrea Pinamonti (Lazio)
