Lazio makes history with best-ever start after Venice victory
SS Lazio has recorded its finest opening to a Serie A season, reaching 13 points from five matches after a 2-0 away win against Venezia FC. Mattia Zaccagni converted a penalty and Tijjani Noslin added a second to lift the Rome club level with city rivals Roma and defending champions Inter at the summit of Serie A.
How the match unfolded at Penzo
Venezia, still seeking its first point of the campaign, had the chance to take an early lead. In the 17th minute, forward Joel Yeboah earned a penalty after a collision in the box, but his weak left-footed strike from the spot was saved by Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas.
The home side continued to press. Midfielder Sohm tested Mandas with a powerful volley from distance, and later Adams missed a clear opportunity when put through on goal. But Lazio struck early in the second half. After Yeboah fouled Taylor in the box, Zaccagni scored from the penalty spot in the 51st minute, sending Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic the wrong way.
Nine minutes later, the visitors sealed the result. Left-back Nuno Tavares delivered a cross from the flank, and Noslin rose to head home the second goal. The Venezia supporters voiced their frustration at full-time, with the club bottom of the table on zero points.
Maldini answers his critics in Udine
Cagliari Calcio moved to 12 points after a 1-0 win away to Udinese Calcio. Daniel Maldini, named in the Italy national team squad earlier in the week despite a recent car accident in Milan, scored the winner in the 54th minute.
Udinese dominated possession and created several chances. Forward Nicolò Zaniolo, returning from injury, had an early effort saved, while substitute Gueye tested Cagliari keeper Elia Caprile on multiple occasions.
The goal came from a defensive error. Udinese defenders Miller and Kabasele mishandled a pass, allowing Maldini to intercept, round goalkeeper Okoye, and slot home with his left foot. It is Cagliari's fourth win in five matches — a strong start, but still one point behind the league leaders.
Roma and Inter share points in Rome thriller
AS Roma and FC Internazionale played out a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico, with both teams now on 13 points.
The match began with a minute of silence for former Inter and Italy star Sandro Mazzola, who died aged 83 this week.
Roma midfielder Manu Koné scored twice in the first half. His first came after six minutes, finishing a move involving Paulo Dybala and Molina. He added a second just before half-time, controlling a cross and beating Inter goalkeeper Martinez. Inter responded with two goals from captain Lautaro Martínez in the second half. The Argentine struck two minutes after the restart and added a second with ten minutes remaining to salvage a point.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini said his team "always tried to win" and that the match gives them "awareness of their quality." Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, speaking to DAZN, said his team showed "grit and personality" in the second half.
Bologna held at home in Palladino's first match
Elsewhere, Bologna FC drew 1-1 with Torino FC in Francesco Palladino's first match in charge. Federico Bernardeschi gave Bologna the lead in the 14th minute, pouncing on a defensive mistake.
Torino equalised in the second half when striker Sandro Kulenovic exploited a misjudgement by Bologna defender De Silvestri and beat goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski from distance. Skorupski, criticised for recent errors, was jeered by home fans at full-time, though the Curva Bulgarelli offered support. Bologna remain in the lower half of the table, while Torino sit just above them.
