Lazio Edge Juventus in Tight Encounter at the Stadio Olimpico
The full-time whistle sounded in Rome with a sense of relief for Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, who battled to a 1-0 win over a misfiring Juventus side. Toma Basic’s deflected strike in the ninth minute proved to be the difference, sealing three vital points for the Biancocelesti and extending Juventus’ alarming winless streak to five Serie A matches.
Juventus arrived at the Stadio Olimpico desperate for a response after back-to-back league defeats to Milan and Como, but once again, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly. Lazio, meanwhile, entered the game unbeaten in three and maintained that run with a disciplined, industrious display.
Early Strike Stuns Juventus
Lazio got off to the perfect start thanks to a moment of quick thinking — and a slice of fortune. A misplaced header from Jonathan David fell invitingly to Danilo Cataldi, who rolled the ball into the path of Toma Basic. The Croatian midfielder unleashed a powerful 25-yard drive that nicked off Federico Gatti before nestling into the bottom-right corner, leaving Mattia Perin helpless.
It was just Basic’s first goal of the Serie A campaign, but one that lifted the atmosphere inside the Stadio Olimpico and set the tone for a lively first half.
Juventus Waste Chances
Juventus, to their credit, reacted well to the early setback. Francisco Conceicao was a bright spark down the right, and his curling cross in the 22nd minute almost produced an equaliser, only for Andrea Cambiaso’s volley to drift agonisingly wide.
David, seeking redemption after his error, was played through one-on-one by Teun Koopmeiners but failed to beat Ivan Provedel, whose outstretched arm denied the Canadian’s lobbed attempt. Conceicao then fired high after a scramble from a free-kick, while Isaksen and Guendouzi tested Perin at the other end as both sides traded openings.
Lazio went into the break 1-0 ahead, with an xG of 0.42 to Juventus’ 0.62 — a fair reflection of the visitors’ wastefulness in front of goal.
Second-Half Frustration for the Old Lady
Juventus returned from the interval on the front foot, with captain Manuel Locatelli seeing his low 18-yard strike well saved by Provedel just minutes into the half. Conceicao remained lively, constantly probing down the right flank, and Dusan Vlahovic — who has struggled for confidence — headed wide from close range in the 71st minute.
The visitors appealed for a penalty after Gila’s poor backpass led to a tangle with Conceicao, but VAR ruled no foul, further adding to Juventus’ frustrations.
Lazio, though largely pinned back, still looked threatening on the counter. Gustav Isaksen twice went close, first bending a curling effort inches wide before setting up Pedro late on, whose shot whistled over the bar.
Provedel and Basic the Heroes
Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel was superb throughout, denying Juventus on several occasions with strong reflexes and composure. His saves from Locatelli, Thuram, and Yildiz kept Lazio’s slender lead intact.
At the other end, Basic’s early strike proved decisive — a moment of precision and power that ultimately separated the two sides.
What It Means
The result lifts Lazio to 10th in the Serie A table with 11 points, as Sarri’s men begin to find rhythm after a shaky start to the season. Juventus, meanwhile, remain stuck in eighth with mounting questions over Igor Tudor’s tactical setup and his side’s lack of ruthlessness.
Despite generating a higher expected goals figure (1.42 to Lazio’s 0.77), Juventus again failed to convert — a pattern that has now seen them go three straight league games without scoring.
What’s Next
Lazio will look to build on their momentum when they face Pisa on Thursday, while Juventus must regroup quickly before hosting Udinese on Wednesday a match that could have major implications for Tudor’s future in Turin.
