When Lazio stepped onto the turf at Turin on September 29, 2024, few expected a five‑goal rollercoaster that would keep fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Match Overview
The clash was part of the Serie A 2024/25 season’s third round, pitting the Biancocelesti against a determined Torino side at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Lazio vs Torino Turin ended 3‑2 in favour of Lazio, handing the Roman club its first away win of the campaign.
Key Moments and Goal Timeline
The early strike came in the eighth minute when Matteo Guendouzi sliced a low pass between the centre‑backs and curled it past the goalkeeper. The French midfielder not only opened the scoring but also logged 32 passes, showing his growing influence in the midfield.
At the hour mark, Boulaye Dia doubled the lead with a well‑timed run into the box and a clinical finish. Dia’s ten passes that day helped Lazio maintain tempo in the attacking third.
Torino answered swiftly. In the 67th minute, Ché Adams found space on the right flank, cut inside and slotted home a low‑driven shot. Adams contributed just two passes but his goal revived the home crowd.
Late drama unfolded when Tijjani Noslin headed in the third for Lazio in the 89th minute, seemingly sealing the win.
Yet the story wasn’t over. Defender Saúl Coco surged forward in stoppage time, hammering a header into the net at 90+2’. That was his second goal of the match and came after an impressive 50 passes, turning the defender into an unlikely striker.
Tactical Battle
Torino lined up in a 3‑5‑2 formation, hoping to crowd the midfield and exploit the wings. Their back three — Masina, Coco, and Vojvoda — were tasked with staying compact, while wing‑backs Sosa and Ilic provided width. Lazio, under Marco Baroni, deployed a 4‑2‑3‑1, giving the midfield duo of Guendouzi and Rovella the freedom to dictate play. The Italian side’s pressing in the first half forced several errant passes, reflected in Torino’s 14% possession loss.
Statistically, Lazio enjoyed 58% possession, 12 shots (6 on target) compared with Torino’s 9 shots (4 on target). The home side also recorded 21 successful dribbles, while Torino’s most dangerous moment came from the set‑piece that produced Coco’s winner.
Reactions from Managers and Players
Baroni, beaming after the final whistle, said, “We showed great character today. The early goals gave us a platform, but we never let the pressure get to us. Coco’s goal was a reminder that football is unpredictable, and we have to stay sharp until the last second.”
Torino captain, Paleari, admitted disappointment but praised his side’s fight: “Losing in stoppage time hurts, but the boys gave everything. Coco’s goal was a perfect example of never giving up.”
Guendouzi, the man of the opening goal, added, “I’m happy to contribute both with the ball and the score. It’s a good sign for our season, and we’ll build on this.”
Implications for the Serie A Campaign
With three points now, Lazio climb to 7th place, edging closer to European qualification spots. Their early away win could serve as a springboard for a more consistent run, especially after a shaky start that saw them draw their first two matches.
Torino, meanwhile, remain in the lower half of the table, sitting 13th after picking up just one point from this match. The narrow loss underscores defensive frailties — they conceded three despite a solid shape — and the need to tighten up in the final third.
Looking Ahead
Baroni’s side next travels to face Palermo on October 6, a fixture that could see Lazio push further up the table if the recent momentum holds. Torino, on the other hand, host AC Milan a week later, a test that will reveal whether their resilience can translate into points against a top‑six opponent.
Historical Context
This encounter was the 23rd meeting between the two clubs this season across all competitions. Historically, Lazio have a slight edge, winning 12 of the previous 22 clashes. The most recent Serie A duel in March 2024 ended 1‑1, with both sides missing chances. The September 29 thriller will be remembered for its dramatic finish and the rare goal‑scoring heroics of a defender turned attacker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Lazio’s chances of qualifying for Europe?
The three points move Lazio to 7th in the league, within striking distance of the top‑six European spots. Consistent away performances like this could see them finish in the Europa League zone if they maintain a win‑or‑draw record over the next ten games.
What tactical changes did Torino make after going 2‑0 down?
Torino switched to a more compact midfield, pulling the wing‑backs lower to create a five‑man defensive block. This adjustment limited Lazio’s passing lanes and allowed Adams space to exploit the left side, resulting in his 67th‑minute goal.
Why was Saúl Coco’s stoppage‑time goal so unexpected?
Coco is primarily a centre‑back and rarely ventures forward. In the dying minutes, Torino pushed men into the box, and a set‑piece crossed into the area found Coco unmarked. His timing and aerial ability produced a rare, decisive header.
What does Marco Baroni say about Lazio’s defensive performance?
Baroni praised his back‑line for staying organized despite Torino’s late surge, noting that conceding two late goals highlighted the need for sharper concentration in the final minutes of games.
Which players stood out statistically in the match?
Guendouzi led Lazio with 32 passes and a goal; Coco topped Torino’s stat sheet with 50 passes and a goal; and Dia contributed a goal and a high pass‑completion rate, making him the most efficient attacker on the day.
