Onazi on target as Lazio sink Empoli

Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio defeated Empoli 2-0 in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday to record back-to-back league victories for the first time since October.

The match was the first home game under Simone Inzaghi, with Antonio Candreva and Ogenyi Onazi bagging the goals on the day.

The home side took an early lead when Uros Cosic was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, allowing Antonio Candreva to step up and stroke the spot-kick past Andrea Pelagotti.

Empoli tried to respond and opted for the aerial routeto goal, a dangerous free kick into the boxed from Riccardo Saponara needed charging down by Federico Marchetti.

At the other end Pelagotti came to the rescue for the travelling side, charging off his line to deny Candrevaone-on-one. The opportunity was then followed by a dangerous cross from Senad Lulic, which Miroslav Klose could only head wide. The Biancocelesti ended the half in style however, Klose and Ogenyi Onazi combing for the Nigerian to find the bottom corner, his first of the season.

In the second half Candreva tried to double his account, but Pelagotti beat the Italian international’s attempt out into play. Klose then, unselfishly, laid theball on a place for Candreva, but again the Empoli defence denied the Lazio talisman. Keita Balde looked bright for the home side, tiptoeing his way around penalty area before unleashing a rasping shot, again Pelagotti the saviour.

Saponara had one final opportunity for the Azzurri, but missed one-on-one with Marchetti. Substitute striker Filip Djordjevic almost made it three for the capital club, but was denied by his compatriot Cosic.

The result takes Lazio level on points with Sassuolo, while Empoli drop to 12th in the Serie A standings.

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