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Player Ratings: Lazio 3-1 Monza – Tavares & Noslin Shine Again
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- Player Ratings: Lazio 3-1 Monza – Tavares & Noslin Shine Again
Player Ratings: Lazio 3-1 Monza – Tavares & Noslin Shine Again
Lazio maintained their early-season momentum as they held on to beat 10-man Monza at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Biancocelesti scored early through Nuno Tavares, while Gustav Isaksen doubled their lead in the middle of the park. Many thought it was game over for the visitors when Lorenzo Lucchesi was sent off for stopping Tijjani Noslin in his tracks, but they managed to pull one back after the interval thanks to Saba Goglichidze, and came extremely close to a second.
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In the end, Gennaro Gattuso's men quelled the uprising with a late goal from Andrea Pinamonti to seal a 3-1 victory . So it's now time to hand out our player ratings for the Lazio players who avoided a banana skin by overcoming the stubborn Monza.
Lazio XI (4-3-3)
Christos Mandas – 6
It was more of the usual from the Greek goalkeeper, who made a few superb saves, at least one awkward stop, and some questionable passing. Couldn't do anything about Monza's goal.
Romano Floriani Mussolini – 5.5
The right-back had a quiet first half, as his services weren't truly required, but he once again showed his defensive weaknesses by struggling to cope with Monza players when they raised their tempo in the second half.
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Danilho Doekhi – 5.5
The Dutch defender had a convincing first half, but lost the plot after the break, failing to keep up with the pace of Monza's attackers. He was hooked off at the 55th minute for Leite.
Oliver Provstgaard – 6
Like Doekhi, the Dane started on a positive note, but was impeded by a yellow card, so Gattuso preferred to take him off at the hour mark.
Lazio 3-1 Monza: Aquile Fly to Second Place as They Surpass Roma
Nuno Tavares – 7.5
Another remarkable showing from the in-form full-back, who finally scored his first goal for the club with a vicious long-range strike. He also combined with Zaccagni to create dangerous chances, before running out of steam after the break.
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He also made a crucial intervention on Samuele Birindelli to prevent a Monza goal.
Davide Frattesi – 6
The Italian international's pressing helped Lazio win back possession on the opener. He also did well to set up a chance for Noslin, but should have done better with his header on Zaccagni's cross.
Reda Belahyane – 6.5
The Moroccan had some nervy moments in the second half, but he was almost flawless before the break, making crucial interventions at the back. He also picked up Noslin with an excellent long ball that culminated in Lucchesi's dismissal.
Kenneth Taylor – 6.5
An influential display from the Netherlands international who worked hard from start to finish. He instigated the play that led to the third goal.
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Gustav Isaksen – 7
The winger marked his return to the starting lineup with an excellent curler that gave Lazio their second on the afternoon. Like the majority of his teammates, his level dropped after the break, but it was still a good showing overall.
Tijjani Noslin – 7.5
Another positive outing from the Dutch striker who is becoming ever more important in Gattuso's tactical jigsaw, as proven by the two first-half assists. His run also resulted in Lucchesi's red card. He almost netted one himself, but couldn't put much power behind it.
Mattia Zaccagni – 6.5
The Lazio captain wasn't credited with a goal or an assist, but he remains crucial in the buildup. He played an integral role in the third goal, and tested the Monza goalkeeper with a powerful curling effort.
Mattia Zaccagni made his 200th appearance for Lazio (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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Substitutes
Diogo Leite – 5.5
The Portuguese defender was brought in to reinstall order at the back, but he needlessly pushed forward, gave away possession and picked up a swift yellow card.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6
The Nigerian added energy in the middle of the park on his return from injury, but Gattuso will want to see more of his midfielder.
Josip Sutalo – 6.5
The Croatian is calm and composed whenever the ball is at his feet. A commanding presence at the back.
Andrea Pinamonti – 7.5
A superb cameo from the Italian striker who made every minute count. Opened his account for Lazio with a clinical touch and could have had two assists to his name after setting up Isaksen twice.
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Alfonso Pedraza – 7
Another productive substitution from Gattuso. The Spanish left-back provided the assist for Pinamonti after an excellent run to the byline.
