Player Ratings: Venezia 0-2 Lazio – Mandas Keeps Aquile Floating in Venice
At the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo in Venice, Lazio extended their unbeaten Serie A run by beating Giovanni Stroppa’s men, who have yet to earn a point this season.
Venezia were the superior side in the first half, but failed to capitalise on their many scoring opportunities. They couldn’t even score a penalty, as Christos Mandas denied John Yeboah. On the contrary, Mattia Zaccagni made no mistake from the spot, giving the Biancocelesti the lead after the interval, while Tijjani Noslin confirmed the win by heading home the second.
It’s now time to hand out our player ratings for Lazio, who are once again the joint Serie A leaders alongside Roma and Inter Milan after beating Venezia on the road.
Lazio XI (4-3-3)
Christos Mandas – 7.5
A superb display from the Greek international who voted the Man of the Match. Although he gave away a penalty with a foul on Thierry Correia, it was actually Floriani’s fault. Instead, Mandas saved the spot-kick, and then performed other solid stops to deny Simon Sohm, Akor Adams, and Antoine Hainaut.
A well-deserved clean sheet.
Romano Floriani Mussolini – 5.5
The young full-back was taken off the hook when Mandas saved Venezia’s penalty, as it all stemmed from his poor attempt to head the ball back to his goalkeeper. He surged forward constantly, but his deliveries at times lacked quality.
Josip Sutalo – 7
The Croatian didn’t put a foot wrong all evening. Made a perfectly timed interception to prevent Adams from going one-on-one with Mandas, and his quality on the ball was evident with every touch.
Oliver Provstgaard – 5.5
A less convincing display from the Dane, who at times failed to properly close down his man, giving him enough time and space to shoot.
Nuno Tavares – 7
The Portuguese international confirmed his excellent form with another convincing display. He was a constant presence in Lazio’s attacks, and capped off his evening by delivering the assist for Noslin’s goal.
Davide Frattesi – 6
The Italian international kept a low profile all evening, as he focused on doing the dirty work in midfield.
Venezia 0-2 Lazio: Biancocelesti Catch Roma & Inter at the Summit
Reda Belahyane – 6.5
The Moroccan is making the Regista role his own, at least until Nicolo Rovella’s return. Helped the defenders deal with Yeboah and Adams’ threat, and he almost scored after a give-and-go with Noslin.
Kenneth Taylor – 6.5
The former Ajax man worked tirelessly for as long as he lasted. While it wasn’t his most productive display, he still proved decisive by winning the spot-kick that culminated in the opener.
Matteo Cancellieri – 6
The Roman’s non-stop running and tracking back is one of the main reasons that endeared him to Gattuso. He also threatened with a lovely long-range curler, but he still needs to do more in the final third.
Tijjani Noslin – 7
Another action-packed display rewarded with a goal for the Dutchman, who took his header expertly. It will be difficult for Gattuso to drop him from the lineup.
Mattia Zaccagni – 7
The Lazio captain was decisive once more, as he finally ended his nine-month goal drought with an excellent spot-kick. The winger also contributed with a ‘pre-assist’ to Tavares on the second goal.
Substitutes
Albert Gudmundsson – N/A
Andrea Pinamonti – N/A
Manuel Lazzari – N/A
Alfonso Pedraza – N/A
Gustav Isaksen – N/A
