Lazio edged Verona 1-0 thanks to a deflected Manuel Lazzari cross and late VAR drama; Kenneth Taylor started and Petar Ratkov made his debut. Betting impact: Lazio look a solid pick in tight away wins and under-2.5 goals markets — consider Lazio moneyline or Lazio + BTTS No in similar low-scoring fixtures where Sarri’s side grinds out results.
Match Report: Verona 0-1 Lazio
Lazio stole all three points at the Bentegodi thanks to a deflected Manuel Lazzari cross that looped over Lorenzo Montipò late in the second half. The win arrived amid VAR controversy when Ivan Provedel collided with Nicolás Valentini during a scramble, but officials declined to call the referee to the monitor.
Debuts, Returns and Absences
Kenneth Taylor went straight into the starting XI after arriving in January, while Petar Ratkov marked his first appearance from the bench. Nicolò Rovella returned to action for the first time since September 2025. Lazio were missing Mattia Zaccagni (suspension), Patric and Toma Basic (injuries), plus AFCON absentees Boulaye Dia and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Verona were without Tomas Suslov, Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro and Rafik Belghali.
Key Moments
- Early chances swung both ways: Lazio threatened inside four minutes with a couple of big openings, while Ivan Provedel made a strong save to deny Domagoj Bradaric. - Matteo Cancellieri and Gustav Isaksen tested the Verona backline but were kept at bay. - 79' — Manuel Lazzari’s low cross took a heavy deflection off Victor Nelsson and looped over Montipò to settle the contest. - Late VAR check after a chaotic long throw-in ruled out a penalty review that would have followed a collision involving Provedel, leaving Verona stunned.
Lineups and Substitutions
Starting XI — Lazio: Ivan Provedel; Adam Marušić, Alessio Romagnoli, Luca Pellegrini, Nicolás Valentini; Matías Vecino, Kenneth Taylor, Nicolò Rovella; Gustav Isaksen, Matteo Cancellieri, Tijjani Noslin. Substitutes used — Lazio: Petar Ratkov, Pedro, Nicolò Rovella (if applicable in timing), others remaining on the bench.
Starting XI — Verona: Lorenzo Montipò; Armel Bella-Kotchap, Domagoj Bradaric, Martin Frese, Victor Nelsson; Antoine Bernede, Roberto Gagliardini; Cheikh Niasse, Giovane, Amin Sarr, Gift Orban.
Substitutes used — Verona: substitutions included attacking and midfield changes as the coach chased the game.
Tactical Takeaways
Maurizio Sarri’s side showed the compact, pragmatic edge that has helped them grind results away from home. Defensive organisation and timely interventions from Provedel were pivotal, while Taylor’s introduction added midfield control. Verona created openings and tested Lazio’s keeper but lacked the cutting edge to find a breakthrough.
Betting and Season Implications
The manner of the win reinforces Lazio as a viable bet in close, low-scoring fixtures. For punters, Lazio moneyline in away matches and Under 2.5 goals or BTTS No are sensible options when Sarri’s team looks likely to sit deep and rely on set-piece or deflected finishes. Verona will need greater finishing precision to convert chances and shift those market dynamics.
Lazio rode their luck with the deflected Manuel Lazzari cross and a late Verona penalty...
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