[Serie A] Lazio - Fiorentina = 2 - 2

Lazio and Fiorentina played out a dramatic 2 to 2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico, with Pedro Rodriguez converting a stoppage time penalty to rescue a point. The match took place in Rome on 07/01/2026,  and it was dominated by arguments over VAR decisions and two spot kicks in the final minutes. 

Maurizio Sarri had to rotate with several absences, including suspensions and players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, yet Lazio began with energy and purpose. Matteo Guendouzi still started in midfield while transfer rumours swirled around him. 

In the opening phase, Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea was immediately called into action. Lazio created danger from set pieces and aerial situations, with Mario Gila going close before Fiorentina survived through desperate defending and goal line interventions. 

Lazio also felt they should have had a penalty in the first half when they appealed for a pull in the box, but the referee and VAR waved play on. Moments later, Lazio suffered another setback as Toma Basic was forced off injured before the break. 

The game opened up after half time and Lazio finally found a breakthrough. Danilo Cataldi finished a well worked move to put the home side ahead and the Olimpico responded like the match had finally turned their way. 

The advantage did not last long. Fiorentina reacted quickly and Robin Gosens equalised, shifting the momentum and turning the contest into a tense battle where every decision felt heavier than the last. 

Late on, VAR called the referee to the monitor for a challenge by Mario Gila on Albert Gudmundsson. Fiorentina were awarded a penalty and Gudmundsson converted, even though Ivan Provedel got a touch. 

Just when it looked like Lazio would leave with nothing, another penalty arrived at the other end. Pietro Comuzzo was penalised for a shirt pull on Mattia Zaccagni in the area. Pedro stepped up and scored in stoppage time to make it 2 to 2 and close a chaotic night with one last twist. 

For Lazio, it was a point gained through sheer refusal to accept defeat, even with a reduced squad and a match full of friction. For Fiorentina, it was a point that will still feel like a missed chance, because they were seconds away from a huge away win in Rome.

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel 6; Lazzari 6 (80' Hysaj n/a), Gila 5.5, Romagnoli 6, Pellegrini 5.5; Guendouzi 6, Cataldi 7, Basic 6 (30' Vecino 6); Isaksen 5 (72' Pedro 7), Cancellieri 5.5, Zaccagni 6

Bench: Mandas, Furlanetto, Provstgaard, Tavares, Rovella, Belahyane, Serra

Coach: Sarri 6

Goalscorers: 52' Cataldi (L), 56' Gosens (F), 89' Gudmundsson Pen (F), 90+5' Pedro Pen (L)

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