13/03/2003

Simone Inzaghi Gives Lazio A Narrow Win Over Besiktas

A second half goal by Simone Inzaghi allowed Lazio to record a narrow 1-0 home win over Besiktas in the first leg match of the Uefa Cup quarterfinals.

The first part of the match was quite boring. Lazio managed to create only a couple of scoring opportunities: in the 12th minute Chiesa supplied perfectly Claudio Lopez inside Besiktas' box, but the Argentinean striker missed the deflection and former Perugia keeper Cordoba saved with ease.

Two minutes later, Lazetic didn't take profit of a cross by Favalli and shot wide from a very favorable position.

Nothing else happened in the first part of the match. Lazio's offensive plays were slow and predictable and Besiktas didn't have any problem in defending their box, although Lucescu's men were not as effective with their counterattacks.

Five minutes into the second half, Lazio coach Mancini replaced Favalli with Simone Inzaghi. It was a smart move, as Filippo's younger brother gave Lazio the lead in the 11th minute with a right-footer from the penalty spot.

Besiktas' reaction was quite confused. The best chance for the guests came in the 76th minute, when a shot by Ilhan Mansiz was very well saved by Peruzzi.

The last ten minutes were undoubtedly the most attractive part of the match. In the 81st minute Fiore wasted a great chance by shooting high from the penalty spot, six minutes later Nouma headed over the bar and right before the final whistle Cordoba made a good save on a shot by Claudio Lopez.
 

[SoccerAge.com]