Derby Anxiety Grow After Lazio Attack Struggle Against Sassuolo

The dazzling Lazio that crushed Verona 4-0 has already faded into the background. In the defeat to Sassuolo, the side looked flat and uninspired, with their forwards once again struggling to make an impact.

For nearly the entire 95 minutes, Lazio’s attack was virtually invisible. Starting with Castellanos and later with Dia, the Biancoceleste managed barely half a shot on target, a stark contrast to their sharp and dynamic display just a week earlier.

Just weeks ago, Taty Castellanos had impressed with a goal, leadership, and moments of real quality against Verona. But in Reggio Emilia, the inconsistency that has plagued him in recent months resurfaced. He failed to impose himself inside the box and rarely influenced the play in the final third.

Boulaye Dia, who had also found the net versus Verona, suffered the same fate. His only real chance came in the second half from a pass by Belahyane. Instead of finishing quickly with his left foot, he hesitated, switched to his right, and allowed Muric to block the attempt.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Lazio’s forwards had very few opportunities, and when they did, their finishing was poor. The lack of sharpness turned the Biancoceleste’s attacking line into a non factor, leaving the team toothless against a disciplined Sassuolo defense.

The biggest disappointment was Castellanos, who never established himself as a threat near goal and failed to provide the spark Sarri’s side desperately needed. Lazio’s momentum from the Verona win has vanished, and the question now is how the attack can rediscover its edge before the Derby della Capitale.