Lazio were unable to capitalize on a golden opportunity to climb above Juventus in the Serie A standings, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Udinese on Monday.
Alessio Romagnoli canceled out Florian Thauvin’s early opener, but the Biancocelesti couldn’t find a winner despite dominating much of the second half.
Missing key players including Luca Pellegrini, Elseid Hysaj, Valentin Castellanos, Nuno Tavares, and Nicolò Rovella, who was sidelined due to muscle fatigue, Lazio had to adjust their approach.
Udinese, on the other hand, were without Isaak Touré and Razvan Sava but welcomed back Maduka Okoye in goal for his first appearance of 2025.
The visitors made an energetic start, testing Ivan Provedel early on. Thauvin, who had an initial effort saved, soon made his mark.
After leading a counter-attack alongside Lorenzo Lucca, he found himself in the right position to finish a simple chance, giving Udinese the lead.
Lazio responded through their captain Mattia Zaccagni, whose close-range effort forced Okoye into a stunning save.
However, the home side restored parity moments later from a corner. Romagnoli was in the right place at the far post to convert after Mario Gila’s header set him up.
At halftime, coach Marco Baroni made an attacking switch, introducing Tijjani Noslin for Loum Tchaouna. The Dutchman had an immediate impact, helping Lazio create several dangerous opportunities.
The Biancocelesti pushed hard for a winner. Zaccagni was denied at the last second by Hassane Kamara, while Isaksen and Guendouzi forced corners with their attacking runs down the right.
Udinese’s best chance of the second half came from a Jordan Zemura free kick, which Provedel tipped behind for a corner.
Despite bringing on Pedro late in the game, Lazio couldn’t break the deadlock and had to settle for a draw. The result leaves them in fifth place, just one point behind Juventus.
