Marusic’s Late Header Secures Lazio’s First Serie A Triumph in 2026 Against Sassuolo

Key Takeaways:

• Adam Marusic’s injury-time goal clinched a 2-1 win for Lazio last night at the Stadio Olimpico
• Daniel Maldini opened the scoring in the second minute, ending a 10-month goal drought
• Sassuolo, who took the reverse fixture 1-0, missed the chance to complete a rare league double over Lazio

Early Lead and Fierce First Half

Lazio enjoyed a bright start at the Stadio Olimpico, with Daniel Maldini finding the net from close range just two minutes into the contest – a moment which marked the end of his 10-month scoring drought. Spurred on by the goal, the home side looked to extend their advantage, as Danilo Cataldi saw one shot saved before Gustav Isaksen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru sent efforts off target. Sassuolo’s defensive line struggled initially to contain the relentless attacks from Maurizio Sarri’s squad.

Sassuolo gradually settled, forcing a pivotal intervention from Edoardo Motta in the 27th minute after M’Bala Nzola’s deflected shot nearly pulled the visitors level. The warning signs proved prescient, as Sassuolo drew level when Armand Lauriente rifled an unstoppable shot into the top corner following a precise passing sequence, restoring parity before half-time.

FT | 2-1

✅ LA VINCIAMO NEL FINALE CON MARUSIC!#LazioSassuolo#AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/r6j4oUy7x3

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 9, 2026

Chances Reduce After the Break

The frenetic pace diminished in the second half, resulting in fewer clear-cut opportunities. Ismael Kone squandered a promising chance for Sassuolo, blasting over the bar from inside the box, before Dele-Bashiru’s attempt at the opposite end similarly soared over the target. Mattia Zaccagni forced a routine save from Arijanet Muric, but the sides remained deadlocked as the clock ticked down.

With the final ten minutes approaching, the tempo increased once more. Isaksen and Matteo Cancellieri each had openings for Lazio, with Cancellieri’s powerful drive from distance forcing Muric into a low save. Sassuolo responded in kind, and Motta was called upon to produce a vital double save – denying Kristian Thorstvedt and Josh Doig in quick succession.

Drama in Added Time Secures Crucial Victory

The match appeared destined for a draw until substitute Adam Marusic arrived at the far post in stoppage time, expertly heading home his first goal of the season after being picked out in the centre. The late strike not only rescued all three points for Lazio but also ensured they halted a winless run that threatened to stretch to five Serie A matches for the first time since July 2020.

Sassuolo, winners of the reverse fixture by a solitary goal, missed out on recording just their second-ever league double over Lazio.

Statistical Note & Recognition

The 2-1 result marks Lazio’s first Serie A victory since the end of January, giving them renewed momentum as the season progresses, while Sassuolo will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.