Lazio 1-2 Milan: Thiago Silva and Alexandre Pato Down Lazio In Rome

Milan's good form continues, while Ballardini is on the brink...

Nov 8, 2009 3:55:01 PM

More On :  AC Milan, Lazio, Lazio vs AC Milan
Thiago Silva - Milan (Grazia Neri)

Milan's upturn in fortunes continued at the Stadio Olimpico with a 2-1 win over struggling Lazio in the 12th matchday of Serie A.
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Thiago Silva scored at both ends of the field, while Alexandre Pato also found the back of the net in an exciting game at the Stadio Olimpico.

After a poor start to the campaign, the Rossoneri had been picking up recently and went into this game full of confidence. Marco Borriello again led the forward line, supported by Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho. Gennaro Gattuso was still out injured, but Clarence Seedorf was fit enough to start.

Lazio were in crisis having gone nine Serie A games without a win, and also being thumped 4-1 by Villarreal in the Europa League in midweek. Ousmane Dabo missed out due to injury, as Mauro Zarate and Tommaso Rocchi formed the attack.

Lazio had a good chance within the first 30 seconds as Rocchi raced in behind the Milan defence but fired wide.

The home side controlled most of the play in the opening stages, but the next effort didn't arrive until 20 minutes, as Rocchi again lashed off-target.

A minute later the deadlock was broken by Milan with their first attempt of the game. Andrea Pirlo curled in a free kick from the left, and Thiago Silva darted in to head home from close range for his first goal in Italian football.

It could have been 2-0 soon after as Pirlo floated a perfect ball to the back post, but Pato's header lacked the necessary power.

Zarate had been Lazio's liveliest player and he forced Nelson Dida to tip the ball over from a curling free kick. Matuzalem also brought out a low save from the Brazilian shot-stopper.

On 34 minutes Milan doubled their advantage. Ronaldinho crossed from the left, and Pato headed brilliantly past Nestor Muslera from 10 yards.

Lazio's players heads dropped after this second strike, and they left the field at half time to a chorus of boos and whistles from the crowd.



Thiago Silva scored at both ends

Lazio made one change at the break as Julio Cruz came on for Stefano Mauri.

This sparked the Biancocelesti into action. First Rocchi saw a shot charged down by Alessandro Nesta, and then Cruz flicked over from six yards out.

Lazio made another attacking change on the hour mark as Mourad Meghni was introduced for Roberto Baronio.

On 63 minutes the home side were given a lifeline and a ticket back into the game as Thiago Silva put the ball into his own net following a run and shot by Zarate.

Zarate almost made it 2-2 moments later, as he unleashed a powerdrive from 20 yards but Dida superbly pushed the ball away.

Lazio were really threatening an equaliser, and on 76 minutes Rocchi headed wide when free in the box.

Milan substitute Mathieu Flamini almost produced the moment of the match with his first touch of the ball with a fantastic 30-yard volley that Muslera stunningly tipped over.

Muslera made another superb save from Pato in injury time as the game ended 2-1.

This win keeps Milan in the Champions League places, while Lazio continue to slide down the table and coach Davide Ballardini's job is now seriously under threat.

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com
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