Lazio crush Milan in Cup
ByReuters
Published 12/02/2004 at 08:51 GMT
Stefano Fiore struck twice as Lazio reached the final of the Italian Cup with a resounding 4-0 victory over champions AC Milan on Wednesday, completing a 6-1 aggregate win. Serie A leaders Milan arrived at Rome's Olympic Stadium hoping to turnaround their
Having taken a 2-1 lead into the match, Lazio wasted little time in extending their advantage on Wednesday.
Brazilian winger Cesar was first on target in the 11th minute when he ran on to a through ball and shot low past keeper Christian Abbiati before midfielder Fabio Liverani extended the lead just five minutes later.
Fiore found the net twice in the space of six minutes to give Lazio a 4-0 lead at half-time, which they never looked in danger of relinquishing.
Milan's defence was caught flat-footed in the 36th minute when Italy striker Bernardo Corradi chested the ball into the path of team mate Fiore, who fired in from close range.
Fiore bagged his second goal three minutes before halftime, volleying home from the edge of the area.
"When the third goal went in I knew it was all over," Lazio coach Roberto Mancini told reporters. "Coming into the game with a 2-1 lead was obviously an advantage but I really didn't expect such a big win. I would have been happy with a draw.
"It was a great match and an extraordinary first half. We totally concentrated on our game."
TOTAL CONTROL
In the second half Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti brought on striker Filippo Inzaghi in an attempt to salvage some pride but midfielder Cristian Brocchi's 58th-minute red card for dissent left the home side in total control.
Abbiati pulled off a series of fine saves to prevent Milan sliding even further behind.
"It was a terrible evening but things like this happen and we've got to look ahead," said Ancelotti. "Lazio have got some quick players and they gave us trouble every time they ran at us.
"I don't think this result will have any lasting effects on the team. I just hope we play better when we return here (to play Lazio in the league) at the end of the month."
In the final Lazio will face the winner of Thursday's other semi-final between Inter Milan and Juventus, who are level at 2-2 after the first leg.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement