Late Drama Ensures Stalemate in Coppa Italia Semi-Final First Leg Between Lazio and Atalanta

Key Takeaways:

• Lazio and Atalanta played out a 2-2 draw in Rome in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final
• Atalanta extended their unbeaten run against Lazio this season to three matches across all competitions
• The decisive second leg will take place in Bergamo on 22nd April, with both sides vying for a place in the final

Match Overview: Even Contest Leaves Final Berth Up for Grabs

The Coppa Italia semi-final tie between Lazio and Atalanta remains finely balanced following an eventful 2-2 draw last night at the Stadio Olimpico. The result means Atalanta have now avoided defeat in all three meetings with Lazio so far this season, adding intrigue ahead of the return leg in Bergamo.

FT | 2-2

⏹️ Termina in pareggio#LazioAtalanta#AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/sXZ2O36AE0

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 4, 2026

First Half: VAR Intervention and Missed Opportunities

Atalanta, buoyed by their recent victory over the same opponents in Serie A at this venue, made an early statement of intent as Nikola Krstovic’s header from a Davide Zappacosta cross beat Ivan Provedel in the eighth minute. Their celebrations, however, were cut short by VAR, which ruled the goal out for offside.

The visitors continued to pose a threat from set pieces. Mario Pasalic directed a Lazar Samardzic free-kick just wide of the target four minutes later, marking what proved to be the only official attempt on goal during the opening 30 minutes.

Lazio gradually asserted themselves in the contest, but it required a crucial intervention from Isak Hien to prevent Daniel Maldini from capitalising as the hosts intensified their efforts. When Lazio finally fashioned a chance, Gustav Isaksen’s effort was inadvertently blocked by a teammate.

Late in the half, Atalanta nearly took the lead as Zappacosta’s volley bounced off the ground, looped over the stranded Provedel, and cannoned back off the crossbar.

Second Half: Four Goals and High Drama

Whatever adjustments Maurizio Sarri made during the interval paid immediate dividends. Just 63 seconds after the break, Daniel Maldini played a perfectly weighted pass for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Marco Carnesecchi to hand Lazio the lead.

Atalanta replied almost immediately. Four minutes later, Lazar Samardzic’s effort from the edge of the area forced a save from Provedel, who could only parry the ball into the path of Pasalic. The Atalanta midfielder made no mistake in converting the rebound.

As the match entered its closing stages, chances were scarce. Kenneth Taylor was thwarted by Carnesecchi and Zappacosta sent a dipping shot over the bar as both teams prioritised caution with the tie finely poised.

Closing Stages: Late Twist and Swift Equaliser

Lazio appeared set to seize victory in the 87th minute when a cross from the left was intercepted by Pasalic, whose underhit backpass was seized upon by Boulaye Dia for an opportunistic finish.

Yet Atalanta showed impressive resilience, restoring parity in the 89th minute as Kamaldeen Sulemana’s cut-back was drilled home by Yunus Musah, ensuring the contest remains delicately poised heading into the second leg.

What’s at Stake in the Second Leg

With the aggregate score level at 2-2, both teams have everything to play for when they reconvene in Bergamo on 22nd April. Raffaele Palladino’s Atalanta side are aiming for their first Coppa Italia crown since 1963, while Lazio will be seeking a sixth triumph in the competition.