[Serie A] Genoa - Lazio = 0 - 2

Lazio continued their late-season resurgence with an emphatic 2-0 victory over Genoa on Wednesday night, sending a clear message in the race for the top four in Serie A. The win at Stadio Luigi Ferraris not only lifted the Biancoceleste to within a single point of fourth-placed Bologna but also reaffirmed their status as a formidable force down the stretch.

This result marked a significant milestone for the Rome-based club, as it ended Genoa’s impressive unbeaten home run in 2025. From the outset, the match was filled with tension and drama, but Lazio held their composure to take full advantage of their opportunities.

The turning point came early when Genoa’s Sebastian Otoa was shown a straight red card for a reckless foul on Mattia Zaccagni. Following a brief delay due to stadium smoke, referee Giovanni Ayroldi confirmed the decision after a VAR review, giving Lazio the numerical advantage they needed.

Lazio was able to maximize their advantage in the number of players by taking the lead in the 32nd minute thanks to a goal from Valentin Castellanos after receiving a pass from Luca Pellegrini, making the score 1-0.

Though Genoa pushed back with a powerful header from Johan Vásquez, young keeper Christos Mandas stood tall with a crucial save. Lazio then sealed the deal in the second half when Pellegrini won possession high up the pitch and initiated a swift attack. His pressure led to Nicolo Rovella threading a sublime pass to Boulaye Dia, who coolly slotted home from a tight angle.

The match took another dramatic turn late on as substitute Reda Belahyane saw red just a minute after coming on, leaving Lazio to close out the match a man up.

Despite the late incident, Lazio remained in control, displaying the grit and unity that have become their trademarks under Marco Baroni. With this crucial win, the capital club not only boosted their Champions League hopes but also extended their impressive run against the league's bottom-half teams, boasting 12 wins, three draws, and just two losses this season.

While Genoa’s dreams of a top-10 finish have been dented, Lazio’s push for Europe is very much alive—and gathering steam.

Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas 7; Lazzari 6 (45' Pedro 6), Gila 6.5, Romagnoli 6.5, Pellegrini 7; Guendouzi 6.5, Rovella 7 (68' Belahyane 4.5); Marusic 6.5, Dia 7 (69' Vecino 6), Zaccagni 7 (89' Hysaj n/a); Castellanos 7.5 (89' Noslin n/a)

Bench: Provedel, Furlanetto, Gigot, Provstgaard, Basic, Dele-Bashiru, Ibrahimovic, Tchaouna

Coach: Baroni 7

Goalscorers: 32' Castellanos (L), 65' Dia (L)

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