Lazio defeated struggling Cagliari, who ended the game in Rome with nine men, 2-1 on Monday to maintain their push to finish in the top four of Serie A. At the Stadio Olimpico, Mattia Zaccagni scored the game-winning penalty kick in the 76th minute to move Lazio to fifth place, one goal away from the Champions League spots by goal differential. Lazio’s eighth victory in nine games in all competitions puts them within three points of league leaders Napoli and ties them with third-place Atalanta and Fiorentina on 22 points.
Just before halftime, Zito Luvumbo of Cagliari tied Boulaye Dia’s early goal, setting up Zaccagni’s victory.
When Yerry Mina was sent off for a second bookable offence two minutes after captain Lazio Zaccagni scored his fourth goal of the season, Cagliari’s night took a turn for the worst.
Michel Adopo protested so vehemently that he was also given a second booking and a red card for the mild foul on Valentin Castellanos.
Mario Balotelli made his debut earlier for Genoa, who defeated fellow struggling team Parma 1-0 to escape the relegation zone.
Before former Italy striker Balotelli made his first Serie A appearance in four years as a late substitution, Andrea Pinamonti scored the game-winning goal with ten minutes left.
Balotelli, 34, was booked during stoppage time despite having little opportunity to influence the game.
With nine points, Genoa is tied with Parma, Cagliari, and Como, who were defeated 1-0 at Empoli, and is one spot above the relegation zone.
Read More: India Head Coach Manolo Marquez Names 26 Probables For Malaysia Friendly
