Yahoo Sports Tijjani Noslin’s Hat-trick Stuns Napoli as Lazio Progress to Coppa Italia Quarter Finals
Lazio have booked their place in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals at the expense of their visitors thanks to a remarkable display from Tijjani Noslin.
The Lineup
The Dutchman spearheaded a rotated 4-2-3-1 formation, with Loum Tchaouna, Pedro and Mattia Zaccagni acting as his support crew, while Nicolo Rovella and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru started in the double-pivot. Moreover, Elseid Hysaj was the surprise package of the starting lineup, making his first appearance of the season (as he’s been omitted from the Serie A and Europa League lists).
Mattia Zaccagni Wastes from the Spot
The Albanian proved he hadn’t missed a beat, putting Pedro through on goal with a clever pass. The Spanish veteran beat Elia Caprile to the ball and cheekily went down under the challenge of the outrushing goalkeeper, forcing the referee to point towards the spot. However, the Napoli custodian made amends by denying Zaccagni’s penalty kick with a superb stop.
Tijjani Noslin Puts Lazio Ahead
Nevertheless, the home side found the breakthrough swiftly afterwards when Tchaouna’s corner kick was redirected by Samuel Gigot towards the back post, allowing the unmarked Noslin to nod it home.
Giovanni Simeone Draws Napoli Back on Level Terms
Lazio’s early lead didn’t last long, David Neres dispossessed Tchaouna in midfield before storming into the box and testing Christos Mandas with a low drive. The Greek goalkeeper parried it away, but Giovanni Simeone was the first to react, latching on the rebound to score the equalizer from close range.
Lazio Restore the Lead
However, the Biancocelesti insisted on finishing the first half on top. Hysaj stole the ball from Giacomo Raspadori before feeding Zaccagni. The Captain picked up Pedro in the box, and the latter set up Noslin with a deft backheel. The 25-year-old took his time before slotting a low shot past Caprile to restore Lazio’s lead.
Hattrick Seal
While Napoli were hoping to recover after the break, Noslin won the match ball by completing his first hat-trick in Lazio colors. The Dutchman expertly headed home a sublime cross from Zaccagni, and the result was never in doubt afterwards, as Antonio Conte’s men could only fork out a few shy chances, while the introduction of regular starters like Romelu Lukaku and Stanislav Lobotka proved too little too late.
The two sides will meet again on Sunday in a Serie A contest, with Napoli playing hosts this time around.
Lazio-Napoli 3-1: result and scoresheet
Goalscorers: 31′, 40′, 50′ Noslin (L), 35′ Simeone (N)
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Lazzari, Patric, Gigot, Hysaj; Rovella, Dele-Bashiru (72′ Castrovilli); Tchaouna, Pedro (60′ Guendouzi), Zaccagni (60′ Isaksen); Noslin (92′ Marusic).
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Caprile; Zerbin (71′ Di Lorenzo), Rafa Marin, Juan Jesus, Spinazzola; Folorunsho (71′ McTominay), Gilmour; Ngonge (71′ Politano), Raspadori (84′ Lobotka), Neres; Simeone (77′ Lukaku).
Referee: Pairetto from Nichelino
Yellow cards: Rafa Marin (N), Zaccagni (L), Hysaj (L), Neres (N).
