Lazio Suffer Late Heartbreak as Fiorentina Seal 2-1 Victory

Fiorentina secured a crucial 2-1 away win over Lazio, boosting their top-four hopes and moving into sixth place in the Serie A standings.

Fiorentina delivered a clinical performance in the first half to secure a 2-1 victory over high-flying Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, marking the hosts' second home defeat of the season. The win not only revitalized Fiorentina's top-four aspirations but also earned La Viola a head-to-head double over Lazio for the first time since the 2012/13 campaign.

Fiorentina's visit to the Stadio Olimpico was motivated by a desire to end a six-game winless streak in Serie A. Their efforts were rewarded with two early goals, which provided the perfect antidote to their recent struggles. The first goal arrived in the 11th minute, when Adam Marusic's loss of possession allowed Robin Gosen to pick out Yacine Adli, who scored with a classy low volley.

Marusic gets one back for Lazio in added time! ⚽#LazioFiorentina 1-2 pic.twitter.com/dVmIVmQ5rU

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 26, 2025

Fiorentina's attack continued to flourish, and just six minutes later, they doubled their advantage. A swift break down the right flank saw Dodo overlapping, and his inviting delivery allowed Lucas Beltran to plant a firm header past Ivan Provedel. Albert Guomundsson came close to adding a third goal, but his acrobatic volley clipped the post, denying Fiorentina a potentially decisive third goal.

Lazio emerged from the halftime break with renewed energy, and Fiorentina's defense was subjected to intense pressure. Although the visitors appeared uneasy under scrutiny, Lazio's final ball lacked precision, leading to mounting tensions on both sides. The situation escalated in the final half hour, culminating in Yacine Adli's red card, which was issued after he had been substituted out of the game.

Lazio's struggles with finishing continued to hinder their efforts to mount a comeback, as they squandered numerous scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Fiorentina's defense held firm, having yet to concede a goal in the final 15 minutes of a Serie A match this season.

An absolutely crazy game comes to an end! Fiorentina hold on for the win 🤯#LazioFiorentina pic.twitter.com/sImZwxXjXb

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 26, 2025

As the clock ticked down, Fiorentina's defenders began to show signs of desperation, blocking goalbound attempts with increasing urgency. However, Lazio's persistence eventually paid off deep into added time, when Adam Marusic scrambled the ball in from six yards, setting the stage for a frantic conclusion.

As Lazio's desperate pressure reached its climax, Mario Gila unleashed a powerful long-range shot that cannoned off the frame of the goal, somehow bouncing to safety. The narrow escape was a welcome relief for Fiorentina, who breathed a collective sigh of relief as the full-time whistle sounded, securing three precious points.

The hard-fought victory propelled Fiorentina into sixth place in the standings, while also marking their first clean sheet on the road in the league since November. Meanwhile, Lazio reflected on a week of mixed fortunes, having advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League midweek, but ultimately remaining in fourth place in the league table.