Lazio edged AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia with Mattia Zaccagni’s 80th-minute header, highlighting Lazio’s knockout resilience. Betting impact: punters may back Lazio in cup markets or consider Lazio draw-no-bet and low-goals lines given the tight defensive display.
Lazio Knock Out Milan at Stadio Olimpico, Set Up Quarter-Final With Bologna
Lazio avenged a recent Serie A defeat by beating AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia round of 16 at the Stadio Olimpico. Mattia Zaccagni’s header from a Nuno Tavares corner in the 80th minute proved decisive, sending Lazio through to a quarter-final clash with Bologna.
Match Overview
The game opened with early intensity—Strahinja Pavlović picked up a booking inside the first two minutes after a challenge sparked a fast Lazio move. Lazio carved the first clear chances: Toma Basic flashed an angled shot wide and Taty Castellanos, making his first start since October 4, squandered a gilt-edged chance when he scuffed a finish into the arms of Mike Maignan.
Milan grew into the contest, creating openings through Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alexis Saelemaekers, but Christos Mandas produced a series of sharp saves to keep Lazio in front. Luca Pellegrini nearly caught Maignan off his line with a clever lob before half-time.
Second Half and Decisive Moment
Milan were the more aggressive side after the interval, with Loftus-Cheek heading narrowly over and Saelemaekers tested Mandas. Milan also survived scrambled moments in the box, including a near-miss from Rafael Leão.
The deadlock was broken in the 80th minute when a Nuno Tavares corner found Zaccagni unmarked at the near post for a clean header. Milan pushed for an equaliser but Mandas denied a late Christian Pulisic effort in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.
Key Moments
Early Tension
- 2’ Strahinja Pavlović booked following a quick break started by Gustav Isaksen.
Missed Chances
- Castellanos missed a sitter after a poor back-pass. - Leão ballooned over from close range following a dangerous cross.
Winner
- 80’ Mattia Zaccagni (Assist: Nuno Tavares) — header at the near post from a corner.
Lineups and Notable Absences
Lazio starting XI: Christos Mandas; Adam Marušić, Alessio Romagnoli, Mario Gila, Luca Pellegrini; Matías Vecino, Mattéo Guendouzi; Toma Basic, Gustav Isaksen, Mattia Zaccagni; Taty Castellanos.
Milan starting XI: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, Pervis Estupiñán, Strahinja Pavlović; Adrien Rabiot, Samuele Ricci; Alexis Saelemaekers, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rafael Leão; Tijjani Noslin.
Notable absences: Milan missed Youssouf Fofana, Santiago Giménez and Zachary Athekame; Lazio were without Danilo Cataldi, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot. Ardon Jashari made his first start since recovering from a fibula fracture.
What This Means Going Forward
Lazio’s defensive solidity and ability to snatch a late set-piece winner boosts their cup credentials and confidence ahead of the quarter-final against Bologna. For Milan, the loss underlines finishing issues and the need for sharper attacking transitions. From a betting perspective, Lazio’s recent cup form and tight defensive display make them an attractive pick in cup markets and for cautious options like draw-no-bet or under 2.5 goals in similar fixtures.
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