A Hard-Fought Victory
Marco Baroni, the seasoned tactician of Lazio, is elated with his team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over AC Milan at San Siro on March 2, 2025. Despite the recent knocks, including a Coppa Italia exit against Inter and two consecutive Serie A draws against Napoli and Venezia, Lazio showed immense character and resilience. The Aquile took the lead through Mattia Zaccagni, but the match took a dramatic turn when Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off in the 67th minute. Despite the numerical advantage, Lazio conceded an equalizer to Samuel Chukwueze. However, the game’s final moments were dominated by Lazio, culminating in a 98th-minute penalty awarded after a VAR review for Mike Maignan’s foul on Gustav Isaksen. Veteran Pedro stepped up and converted the penalty, sealing a well-deserved win for the team.
Growing Belief and Maturity
In the wake of the victory, Baroni emphasized the growing belief and maturity within the squad. "When I said we are a good team that plays good football, we need to work to become a great team. They are doing that, one game at a time, and I knew this would allow us to show our character," he told DAZN. Lazio’s efforts were evident with 20 shots on goal, highlighting the team’s offensive prowess. Baroni stressed the importance of maintaining intensity even when the opposition is down to 10 men, a lesson the team will take forward. "We should’ve controlled the tempo better in that situation. We should’ve scored more than one goal with that many chances, but the team must not be conservative, it should always be attacking and positive. That is what brings results."
The Impact of Gustav Isaksen
A key player in the dramatic final moments was Gustav Isaksen. The young forward not only drew the red card from Pavlovic but also the critical penalty that led to Lazio’s victory. Baroni praised Isaksen’s development, noting his incredible potential. "Isaksen has incredible potential, I saw it in him, but he needed it brought out of him with belief. His mentality is growing, because the quality was always there, but he is now becoming a decisive player." Isaksen and Mattia Zaccagni’s work ethic played a crucial role in Lazio’s defensive solidity, contributing to the team’s overall performance.
A Tough Challenge for Milan
Lazio’s dominance was evident, especially in the first half. "I think Milan struggled badly in the first half because Lazio had a great performance," Baroni observed. The team’s tactical discipline and high intensity made it difficult for Milan to settle into their usual rhythm. Lazio’s ability to press and disrupt Milan’s build-up play was a significant factor in the first-half advantage. Despite the numerical disadvantage in the second half, Lazio maintained their aggressive approach, which ultimately paid off in the final moments.
Pedro: The Right Man for the Job
When asked about the tension leading up to Pedro’s penalty, Baroni’s confidence was evident. "When a penalty is taken, you know anything can happen, but Pedro is the right man to take the ball, so I felt very confident. He never makes a mistake from the spot in training, but he also says that it only counts when you don’t make a mistake in a stadium full of people. He is one of those players," smiled Baroni. Pedro’s composure and experience were crucial in converting the penalty, solidifying Lazio’s victory and rounding off a thrilling match.
Looking Forward to the Europa League
Lazio may have been knocked out of the Coppa Italia, but they now turn their focus to the Europa League Round of 16, where they face Viktoria Plzen. The first leg is set for Thursday evening, and Baroni is optimistic about the team’s prospects. The squad’s growing confidence and recent performances suggest that they are well-prepared for the challenge ahead. "We are a team that plays with character and determination, and we will bring that to the Europa League as well," Baroni concluded, setting the stage for another exciting chapter in Lazio’s season.
