Lazio to Change Designated Penalty Kick Taker After Sassuolo Fiasco
Lazio may have scored six goals at the Mapei Stadium, but Mattia Zaccagni and Davide Frattesi’s poor penalty kicks blemished an otherwise superb outing.
Lazio Wasted Two Penalties Against Sassuolo
The Lazio captain was one of the main stars of the show in Tuesday’s 6-2 victory over Sassuolo, scoring a goal and providing an assist. But early in the second half, he failed to beat Stefano Turati from the spot. The 31-year-old aimed at the left corner, but couldn’t put enough power behind it, allowing the goalkeeper to gather.
A few minutes later, Gustav Isaksen was brought down inside the box. While this could have been an opportunity for Zaccagni to atone, he decided to leave it to Frattesi, whose effort was even worse than the skipper’s. The midfielder sent a tame shot down the middle, allowing Turati to make the easiest of penalty saves.
Mattia Zaccagni Relieved From Spot-Kick Duty?
According to La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Gennaro Gattuso is expected to change his spot-kick hierarchy. While Zaccagni has been the designated kicker since Ciro Immobile’s departure in 2024, the captain could be dropped after squandering two of his last three. As for Frattesi, this was his first-ever penalty kick at the senior level, and his poor attempt is unlikely to earn him another chance in the near future.
Kenneth Taylor to Become Designated Lazio Penalty Taker?
The newspaper tips Kenneth Taylor to be propelled to the top of the list. The Dutchman wasn’t on the pitch when the two penalties were awarded, as Gattuso had hooked him at half-time after earning a yellow card. Nevertheless, the Italian head coach made sure to laud the midfielder for his elusive qualities after the game.
Taylor’s Penalty Stats
Based on Transfermarkt’s stats, the former Ajax man successfully converted 14 out of 16 career spot-kicks during the game. Last season, he scored the decisive kick in the penalty shootout against Bologna in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. He also successfully converted his attempt in the shootout against Atalanta, which secured Lazio’s spot in the cup final.
