Lazio loses to Torino and could be overtaken by Juventus

Sat, Apr 22, 2023
Soccer News (AP)

MILAN (AP) - Lazio failed to consolidate second spot in Serie A after it was beaten by mid-table Torino 1-0 on Saturday to end a run of four straight wins.

Ivan Ilic netted the only goal two minutes before halftime to help Torino to its first win in five matches.

The result left Lazio two points above third-placed Juventus, which could cap a fantastic week with a win over runaway leader Napoli on Sunday. Juventus saw its 15-point penalty suspended on Thursday and also reached the Europa League semifinals.

Lazio struggled to find its rhythm at the Stadio Olimpico. It did have a chance in the 38th minute with a free kick from a dangerous position but Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic comfortably saved the attempt from his brother Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Moments later, Torino broke the deadlock when Ilic steered the ball through Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and past the diving Ivan Provedel.

Lazio increased its pressing after the interval and even sent on Ciro Immobile. It was thought the forward would miss the match after breaking a rib when a tram collided with his car last weekend.

RELEGATION BATTLE

Salernitana boosted its hopes of avoiding relegation by beating Sassuolo 3-0 for its first win in six matches.

Soccer

Lorenzo Pirola and Boulaye Dia netted in the first half and Lassana Coulibaly sealed the win in the 65th minute.

Salernitana moved seven points above 18th-placed Hellas Verona, which beat Bologna 2-1 on Friday.

Spezia was above Verona thanks to a better head-to-head record, and played at bottom club Sampdoria late.

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