Como 2:0 Lazio: Bad Start and Bigger Problems
A new Serie A campaign always comes with hope: fans expect fresh emotions, clubs seek confirmation of their ambitions. For Lazio, however, the opening round turned into a painful reminder of all the underlying problems. The 0:2 defeat against Como was not only about a bad result. Behind, we can find a mirror reflecting the tactical and psychological weaknesses of the club.
The night was mostly unexpected for the fans, so if you were using some sports betting sites not on Gamstop to make a bet on Lazio, it’s definitely not your lucky day. And the outcome was so severe for the team that we cannot simply put it as a regular outcome and move to the next.
The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia hadn’t seen such a sell-out in years, because they’re returning to Serie A with new ambitions. Lazio, meanwhile, arrived with baggage with a transfer embargo, several key absences, Maurizio Sarri back on the bench, I think we don’t need to remind you of other rather scandalous situations surrounding the club in the recent months. The coach admitted that he would have to “survive” with the squad he had.
The opening minutes showed the gap between the sides. Como played with speed, pressing high and giving their opponents no time on the ball. Lazio, in Sarri’s trademark 4-3-3, tried to build through the midfield, but Vecino and Kamada were overwhelmed. Every mis-pass turned into a transition chance for the hosts, and the wings struggled to adjust.
In the second half, Paz slipped a pass through to Douvikas for 1:0, then delivered a free-kick masterpiece for 2:0. In between, Castellanos saw an equaliser ruled out for offside — with the referee explaining it publicly via microphone, a Serie A first. Psychologically, that decision killed Lazio’s momentum.
Exposed left flank. Nuno Tavares was consistently out of position, leaving Paz room to create. Both goals stemmed from this vulnerability.
No midfield outlet. Without Rovella to organise the first pass, Lazio’s midfield couldn’t escape Como’s press. Turnovers mounted, killing any rhythm.
Predictable attacking shape. The 4-3-3 lacked verticality; passes went sideways, while Como’s full-backs and wingers attacked space directly.
Passive defending. Instead of stepping up, the back line retreated, gifting Como more space between the lines.
What we got in the process was:
- Possession: Como 63% — Lazio 37%
- Shots: 19 vs 5
- On target: 6 vs 1
- xG: Como 2.1 — Lazio 0.4
- Progressive passes: Como 29 — Lazio 14
- Pressing losses: Lazio 17
In short, the hosts systematically outplayed Lazio.
So why did Lazio lose this match? First of all, it’s all about Financial constraints. With a transfer embargo, Sarri had no reinforcements. This meant tired legs and lack of comfort, more stress.
Second is most likely the adaptability issue. Como pressed high and aggressively. Lazio never changed their plan, persisting with risky passes. Third and still crucial for the teamplay is mental fragility. The disallowed goal via VAR reset the scoreline and broke Lazio’s concentration. Instead of fighting back, the team dropped intensity.
The fourth factor of the loss was overly dependence on individuals. When Zakkanji or Castellanos didn’t produce something out of nothing, Lazio had no collective solution.
So what’s next? Lazio face Verona next at the Olimpico, and Sarri has urgent questions to answer:
- Does he trust Tavares at left-back, or shift to a more conservative option?
- Can Rovella or Vecino stabilise the first phase, or will Lazio continue to leak turnovers?
- Should the system adapt to the players’ limitations, rather than forcing a rigid 4-3-3?
If those questions go unanswered, Lazio’s season risks derailing before it even gathers momentum. A single defeat doesn’t define a campaign, but we saw more than that, and it concerns not only the fans of Lanzo.