Zaccagni's header beat Milan 1-0, and Lazio advanced in the Coppa Italia.
A goal in the 80th minute from a corner kick by Mattia Zaccagni gave Lazio a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia round of 16. The home team controlled the game, while Milan squandered their few opportunities after the break.
In the 80th minute, from a corner kick on the right wing, Mattia Zaccagni rose high to head the ball into the net, securing a 1-0 victory for Lazio in the Coppa Italia round of 16. The late goal made all the difference in a tight match where the home team controlled much of the game and blocked access to the opponent's penalty area.
The crucial moment
Zaccagni's header came at the perfect moment for Lazio to break the deadlock. After 70 minutes of back-and-forth play, the home side capitalized on set pieces to unlock the game, while Milan were unable to reverse the result in the remaining time.
Main developments
Early this morning, Lazio started proactively with the advantage of playing at home. In the 2nd minute, Basic warned with a shot from the right but the ball went over the crossbar. Also in the 2nd minute, Strahinja Pavlovic of Milan received a yellow card after fouling Guendouzi, signaling a tense match ahead.
As Milan began to gain more possession, their attacking threats were still neutralized by the midfield: Guendouzi, Vecino, and Basic repeatedly thwarted their attempts. In the 6th minute, Zaccagni weaved his way through the penalty area but failed to create a clear scoring opportunity. Milan's rare significant chance in the first half came when Leao was about to shoot but was intercepted by Guendouzi.
Lazio continued to press. In the 24th minute, Basic's shot narrowly missed the post. Castellanos also had a chance inside the box but it was blocked. In the 37th minute, Milan responded with an effort from Loftus-Cheek but couldn't beat goalkeeper Mandas. The first half ended 0-0, with the home team dominating possession but lacking sharpness in the final stages.
After the break, Milan surged forward. In the 50th minute, Loftus-Cheek received a cross from Estupinan but headed the ball over the bar – a golden opportunity missed. In the 59th minute, Saelemaekers took a long-range shot but Mandas made a clean save.
Lazio made substitutions in the 58th minute, with Vecino and Castellanos leaving the field to make way for Dele-Bashiru and Noslin, increasing the intensity in midfield. In the 64th minute, Milan brought on Nkunku for Saelemaekers to try and create more attacking opportunities. The home side remained alert: in the 66th minute, after a corner kick, Basic shot too high; in the 68th minute, Loftus-Cheek's header was blocked by Dele-Bashiru. In the 71st minute, Tavares came on for Pellegrini, giving Lazio a fresh start on the flanks.
The turning point came in the 80th minute: Zaccagni positioned himself perfectly to head in the opening goal from a corner kick on the right. In the remaining minutes, Milan pressed hard but were unable to break through Lazio's well-organized defense.
Tactical analysis: Lazio wins in midfield and set pieces.
Lazio's tactical depth stems from their ability to control the midfield. The trio of Guendouzi, Vecino, and Basic constantly stifled Milan's attacking moves, forcing opponents to seek opportunities from crosses or long-range shots, where the success rate is low. Positional discipline helped Lazio maintain their formation, limiting space and one-on-one situations for Leao or Loftus-Cheek.
After the break, Milan increased the tempo and pushed more players into the penalty area, but a lack of accuracy in the final touches prevented them from converting their advantage. In contrast, Lazio made the most of set pieces – a sensible option for a tight defensive game – and Zaccagni sealed the victory with a header.
Selective statistics
- Score: Lazio 1-0 Milan
- Goal: Zaccagni 80'
- First half: 0-0
- Yellow card: Pavlovic (Milan) 2'
- Notable opportunities: Basic's shots in the 2nd and 24th minutes; Loftus-Cheek's shot was saved by Mandas in the 37th minute; header went over the bar in the 50th minute; and his shot was blocked in the 68th minute.
- Substitutions: Lazio 58' (Dele-Bashiru, Noslin), 71' (Tavares); Milan 64' (Nkunku)
Impact
The victory secured Lazio's place in the Coppa Italia knockout stage and served as timely revenge after their defeat against Milan in the most recent Serie A match. With their tight defensive organization and ability to capitalize on set pieces, the home team achieved a minimal but significant result in the knockout phase.
Final score:Lazio 1-0 Milan
Goals:Mattia Zaccagni 80'
