In the past campaign, Lazio were in contention for the Scudetto up until the Covid outbreak caused the suspension of the season. After that, they managed to achieve qualification to the Champions League but were never bright again.
Thus, coach Inzaghi and the totality of the squad were confirmed for the new season, with only minor additions arriving during the summer transfer campaign. This proved to be a huge mistake by President Lotito as he failed to build the depth required for their participation in European competition and the fatigue acquired by their main stars.
Having debuted with an away win over Cagliari, Lazio then failed to win in 3, losing to Atalanta and Sampdoria, while drawing against Inter. It was only the first of many disappointments all along the season.
In fact, they only managed to have a decent run between weeks 12 and 21, as they lost just once, to Milan, and succeeded making the top 4 for the first time in the campaign, displaying glimpses of the football offered a few months before.
Lazio slipped again between weeks 22 and 26, losing 3 out of 4, and were also eliminated from the Champions League last 16 at the hands of Bayern. Then, they seemed to be capable of a last push for the top 4, collecting 7 wins and 1 defeat between weeks 27 and 34.
It was just an illusion, though, as they won only 1 out of the last 5 games played, losing 3 and failing to score in 4, thus having to content themselves with qualification for the Europa League.
Acerbi, Immobile, Luis Alberto and Milinkovic-Savic only seldom succeeded repeating last season’s wonders while Luiz Felipe was missed at the back due to injuries. Plain disappointments were the likes of Muriqi, Fares and Musacchio, who arrived in September. On the other hand, Correa often proved decisive, scoring 8 goals and serving 4 assists.
Lazio will have to learn from the current campaign but will have to do it without Inzaghi, architect of their recent triumphs, who is heading for a richer club.
