Key Takeaways:
- Lazio qualified for their eleventh Coppa Italia final with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Atalanta
- Edoardo Motta made four consecutive penalty saves to secure Lazio’s progression
- Lazio will meet Inter in the Coppa Italia final on 13 May, seeking their eighth title and first since 2018/19
Match Overview
Lazio progressed to their eleventh Coppa Italia final after defeating Atalanta in a tense penalty shootout, earning their very first away triumph against La Dea in this competition at the seventh attempt. The Biancocelesti’s victory sets up a highly anticipated final against Inter.
Seven weeks on from their 2-2 draw in the Stadio Olimpico, the sides met again with Atalanta looking to improve on a recent stretch that saw them win just two of their last ten outings in all competitions.
Meglio questa 😎#AtalantaLazio#AvantiLazio pic.twitter.com/T73GTzoFhj
— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) April 22, 2026
First Half: Defences on Top
Despite Atalanta’s recent form, Raffaele Palladino’s charges started brightly in Bergamo, dictating possession and intent. However, clear opportunities were scarce. The most notable chance arrived when Nicola Zalewski’s effort was deflected wide, following Charles De Ketelaere’s neat touch to bring down Lorenzo Bernasconi’s delivery. For Lazio, their primary opportunity came when Toma Bašić directed a header well over from Mattia Zaccagni’s set piece.
Both defensive units proved resolute, and by the interval, there had been just one shot on target between the sides.
Second Half: VAR and Late Drama
After the break, Atalanta continued to look the more likely side to claim an opener and appeared to have scored when Éderson finished a close-range opportunity. However, a VAR review deemed that Edoardo Motta already had two hands on the ball as Nikola Krstović played it across, so the goal was chalked off. There could have been further controversy had Mario Gila been penalised for a handball in the preceding phase.
Lazio appeals for a handball against Giorgio Scalvini were also waved away, while Tijjani Noslin missed the target with his left foot before having another attempt blocked by Mario Pašalić.
It was the visitors who broke the deadlock, as Alessio Romagnoli met Zaccagni’s corner with a sublime first-time left-footed finish. Their lead, though, was short-lived — within two minutes, Pašalić levelled proceedings, his shot deflected beyond Motta after Krstović’s lay-off.
Motta kept Lazio’s hopes alive with a superb save, tipping Gianluca Scamacca’s header onto the post just before full time as the contest headed into extra time.
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout
Atalanta thought they had retaken the lead in the 96th minute through Giacomo Raspadori’s header, only for the effort to be disallowed owing to an offside in the build-up by Davide Zappacosta.
With few further incidents over the extra half hour, the tie was ultimately settled from the spot. Edoardo Motta delivered an extraordinary display, saving penalties from Nuno Tavares, Scamacca, Pašalić and De Ketelaere in succession, sending Lazio to the final.
What’s Next
Lazio now look ahead to the final on 13 May, where they will attempt to secure an eighth Coppa Italia crown and their first since 2018/19, against Inter.
