Serie A: Lazio Closes Gap on Fourth-Place Bologna with Win Over Genoa

Lazio's 2-0 win over Genoa brings them within a point of fourth-placed Bologna, boosting their Champions League aspirations.

Lazio continued their charge for a top-four spot with a 2-0 win over Genoa, ending the hosts' unbeaten home streak. The win was a welcome one for Lazio, who had only managed one victory in their previous six Serie A matches. Genoa, seeking their first top-half finish in a decade, started strong but had their chances limited after Sebastian Otoa's early red card.

Otoa's dismissal came after he felled Mattia Zaccagni with a reckless challenge, and VAR confirmed the referee's decision. Despite being a man down, Genoa held out until the break, although they had a major chance just before the half-hour mark. Matteo Guendouzi's low shot was spectacularly saved by Nicola Leali, denying the Albiceleste a crucial advantage.

Lazio took the lead in the 32nd minute with a stunning goal. Mattia Zaccagni's clever play on the left led to Luca Pellegrini delivering a precise cross to the far post, where Taty Castellanos executed a spectacular scissor-kick volley. The goal showcased the team's creativity and improvisation.

The game remained scrappy for the rest of the half and early in the second, but Lazio maintained their edge. Nicolò Rovella had a chance to seal the win just before the hour mark, but his shot went wide after Luca Pellegrini's excellent cross into the box.

Two goals and a clean sheet for Lazio! ✅#GenoaLazio pic.twitter.com/Kml2PjP5o2

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 23, 2025

Genoa threatened to mount a comeback, but Christos Mandas made a crucial save to deny Johan Vásquez's header from a corner kick. The ball seemed destined for the bottom-left corner, but Mandas' reaction was impressive.

Lazio sealed their win with a well-taken second goal near the 75-minute mark. Luca Pellegrini's interception sparked a move that ended with Nicolò Rovella threading a pass through to Boulaye Dia, who calmly slotted the ball into the opposite corner from a tight angle, effectively ending the match.

The match took a surreal turn when Boulaye Dia was substituted, only for his replacement, Reda Belahyane, to be sent off barely a minute later. Belahyane's aggressive challenge on Morten Thorsby earned him a straight red card after VAR upgraded his initial yellow card.

The win puts Lazio in a strong position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, moving within a point of fourth-placed Bologna. Meanwhile, Genoa's chances of a top-10 finish remain elusive, with their wait likely to extend into a second decade. Lazio's solid performance against bottom-half teams this season has boosted their hopes of achieving a top-four finish.