Lazio produced one of the standout performances of the Coppa Italia campaign as they defeated Serie A leaders AC Milan 1–0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening. A late header from Mattia Zaccagni proved decisive and sent the Biancocelesti into the quarter-finals, ending Milan’s impressive unbeaten run that had stretched all the way back to August.
The victory not only propelled Lazio into the last eight but also highlighted the resilience and tactical discipline of Maurizio Sarri’s squad, who appear to be gaining momentum in domestic cup competitions even as they navigate an inconsistent league season.
Zaccagni’s Late Strike Sends Stadio Olimpico Into Celebration
The match had been balanced for long stretches, with both sides struggling to carve out clear chances. Milan, rotating several key players due to fixture congestion, attempted to control possession while Lazio relied on quick transitions and set-piece threats.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 80th minute. Lazio earned a corner after a dangerous move down the left, and Nuno Tavares stepped up to deliver an inswinging cross. His ball curled perfectly toward the near post, where Zaccagni, timing his run to perfection, rose above the Milan defenders and powered a header past the goalkeeper.
The Stadio Olimpico erupted. Sarri clenched his fists in celebration, well aware of the importance of the moment—not only for the result but also for his team’s confidence during a period of mixed form.
Zaccagni’s goal ultimately stood as the match-winner, securing Lazio’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face defending champions Bologna.
AC Milan Suffer First Defeat Since August
The loss was a significant blow for Milan, who have been one of Europe’s most in-form sides this season. Prior to the trip to Rome, their only defeat came against Cremonese in August. Since then, they had pieced together a lengthy unbeaten streak across Serie A and cup competitions.
Under coach Massimiliano Allegri, Milan have built a reputation for controlled, intelligent football. However, in the cup fixture against Lazio, they lacked sharpness in the final third and appeared unusually vulnerable on set pieces—something Allegri acknowledged afterwards as an area that needs improvement.
With the Coppa Italia now out of reach, Milan’s focus shifts entirely to the two remaining objectives: securing the Serie A title and performing strongly in the Italian Super Cup. Although exiting the cup is disappointing, Milan still sit top of Serie A—level on points with Napoli but ahead on goal difference.
Bologna Continue Title Defense With Late Drama
Lazio’s next opponents, Bologna, kept their dream of defending the Coppa Italia alive with a dramatic 2–1 win over Parma. The match appeared to be heading toward extra time until Santiago Castro produced an 89th-minute winner, demonstrating Bologna’s determination to retain their crown.
Bologna’s resurgence under a refreshed coaching staff has been one of the season’s surprise storylines. Their disciplined defending and efficient attacking play have made them a formidable cup opponent. Lazio will face a stern test in the quarter-finals, where tactical discipline will be essential on both sides.
Napoli Keep Pressure on Milan in Serie A and Cup Competitions
Meanwhile, Napoli, Milan’s closest chasers in the league, secured their own passage to the quarter-finals a day earlier with a win over Cagliari. Their form this season has been strong both in Serie A and in the cup, suggesting that they may provide the biggest threat to Milan’s hopes of lifting a domestic double.
The two sides remain neck-and-neck in the league standings, adding extra intrigue to the remainder of the Italian campaign.
Coppa Italia Round of 16 Nears Completion
The Coppa Italia last-16 round will conclude in January with two additional fixtures:
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Roma vs Torino
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Fiorentina vs Como
Both matches promise high drama, with Roma seeking to return to the latter stages of the competition and Fiorentina looking to build momentum after fluctuating performances in Serie A.
The eventual winners will join Lazio, Bologna, Napoli, and others in what promises to be one of the most competitive Coppa Italia quarter-finals in recent memory.
Lazio Growing in Confidence as Season Progresses
For Lazio, the win over Milan may serve as a turning point. Despite a challenging league campaign marked by inconsistent performances, Sarri’s men have shown their ability to rise to major occasions. The triumph over Italy’s current league leaders could spark further improvement as they push for European qualification and pursue a rare domestic cup title.
Zaccagni’s goal, coupled with a solid defensive display, demonstrated what Lazio can achieve when their structure and execution align. With the Coppa Italia continuing to offer a realistic path to silverware, Lazio will now look ahead with renewed optimism.
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