SS Lazio move closer to their Champions League target. Pedro Rodríguez's side defeated Genoa 2-0 at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium, earning three points that restore them into the fight with a one-point gap to the Serie A fourth spot. Goals from Castellanos and Dia, one in each half, conceded Baroni's side a comfortable afternoon.
This contest was originally scheduled on Monday, but was delayed two days due to Pope Francis’ passing. Christos Mandas had to pull off a couple of early saves to preserve the deadlock, but then the match was temporarily suspended due to extensive fireworks from the Genoa Ultras in the Curva Nord.
When the action resumed the local side were reduced to ten man after a red card to Otoa, so with one extra man on the pitch, it didn’t take the Biancocelesti too long to capitalize on their significant advantage. Luca Pellegrini was released on the left flank, and managed to pick up Castellanos with a sublime cross, and the Argentine striker made the most out it, opening the scoring with a fabulous scissor kick. Pedro came onto the pitch replacing Lazzari on the edge of the break.
Lazio were then able to dominate the proceedings, and eventually gave themselves a two-goal cushion in the middle of the second half thanks to a brilliant through ball from Rovella that found Dia. The Senegalese star set up the shot with a clever turn before finding the far corner with a clinical attempt. In the final stage forces onto the pitch equalized as Reda Belahyane deprived Lazio of their numerical advantage being sent off only two minutes following his introduction. But Lazio managed to smoothly sail towards the final whistle to claim a vital victory that restored their Champions League hopes.
- Match stats:
GENOA (4-2-3-1): Leali; Otoa, De Winter, Vasquez, Martin (68' Messias); Masini (80' Ekhator), Frendrup; Norton-Cuffy (80' Sabelli), Vitinha (61' Venturino) Thorsby; Pinamonti (68' Ahanor).
LAZIO (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Lazzari (45' Pedro), Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Rovella (68' Belahyane), Guendouzi; Marusic, Dia (68' Vecino), Zaccagni (88' Hysaj); Castellanos (88' Noslin)
Bookings: Giovanni Ayroldi (sez. Molfetta) amonestó a 45'+3' Rovella (L), 51' Pinamonti (G), 80' De Winter (G), 85' Sabelli (G)
Sent off: 21' Otoa (G), 72' Belahyane (L).
Goals: Castellanos (32'), Dia (65')
0 - 2 
