Serie A: Monza's Missed Chances Prove Costly in Lazio Defeat

Lazio withstands late Monza pressure

In the second half, Monza intensified pressure, but Lazio's defense held...

Monza's wasted chances, including Daniel Maldini's 14-yard miss, allow Lazio to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Lazio extended their impressive run with a hard-fought win at Monza, thanks to Mattia Zaccagni's exceptional curling finish.

The Aquile's confidence was sky-high, having won nine of their previous 10 games, including Thursday's thrilling Europa League victory over FC Porto.

Lazio was nearly at full strength, missing only Gaetano Castrovilli, while Nuno Tavares returned from suspension.

Hosts Monza, however, were severely depleted, missing Stefano Sensi, Alessio Cragno, and Roberto Gagliardini.

The match held special significance for Monza coach Alessandro Nesta, a Lazio legend.

Monza squandered early opportunities, as Dany Mota Carvalho and Daniel Maldini failed to capitalize on errors.

Lazio also threatened, with Boulaye Dia intercepting a Pedro Pereira back-pass and testing the goalkeeper.

Nuno Tavares' cross-shot forced a spectacular save.

Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni warmed up with a curled right-foot shot off the far post's base in the 33rd minute, assisted by Nuno Tavares.

Moments later, Zaccagni made it count. Pedro reclaimed possession from Daniel Maldini, and Matteo Guendouzi set up Zaccagni's precise right-foot finish into the far bottom corner.

Monza pushed back, with Dany Mota's acrobatic bicycle kick sailing over.

Nicolò Rovella's powerful half-volley from the edge of the area forced Stefano Turati into a glove-stinging save.

Boulaye Dia narrowly missed connecting with Nuno Tavares' cross.

In the second half, Monza intensified pressure, but Lazio's defense held firm, blocking Dany Mota's efforts and smothering Armando Izzo's header.

Daniel Maldini squandered another opportunity, blasting Dany Mota's pull-back over the bar from 14 yards.

Monza's relentless pressure failed to rattle Ivan Provedel, with Gianluca Caprari's last-ditch free kick harmlessly hitting the wall.