Lazio secures quarter-finals ticket after beating Bologna

Lazio have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia after securing a 1-0 victory over Bologna.

In a match that witnessed an emotional tribute to Sinisa Mihajlovic, Lazio did just about enough to push past Bologna, with Pedro setting up the tap-in for Felipe Anderson.

They will now face either Juventus or Monza in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia.

Before the kick-off, there were emotional scenes, as Mihajlovic’s wife Arianna and their children watched a video tribute on the touchline before saluting the supporters with the jerseys representing his career at the two clubs as player and coach.

Lazio were without Ciro Immobile as he battles a thigh strain, while Bologna were without Marko Arnautovic, Nicola Sansone, Kevin Bonifazi, and Lorenzo De Silvestri.

Lazio almost went ahead in the opening 15 seconds, as Felipe Anderson was clear on goal only to fire straight at the goalkeeper.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header from a corner went off-target, and Mattia Zaccagni tested Lukasz Skorupski. Joaquin Sosa almost conceded an own goal with his clumsy clearance on Pedro’s free kick.

Lazio caught Bologna napping with a howler for the opening goal. Sosa was couldn’t beat the high press of Pedro. He then pulled it back from the right for Felipe Anderson to simply tap in from close range.

Bologna got a chance to equalise when Riccardo Orsolini chested down a Jerdy Schouten ball over the top only to then shin the finish, while Milinkovic-Savic soared to meet a Zaccagni cross only to nod it over the bar from four yards.

Lazio will now move ahead to the quarter-finals.

Their attention will now be on the Serie A, where they aim to at least secure a spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League.

Meanwhile, Juventus defeated Monza 2-1 courtesy of goals from Federico Chiesa and Moise Kean.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed