Lazio maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A season with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Monza at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
Nigeria internationals Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro both featured, with Lazio midfielder Dele-Bashiru coming on in the 61st minute and Monza’s Akinsanmiro completing the full 90 minutes.
The result gave Maurizio Sarri’s side their fifth win in their opening six league matches, a start Lazio have achieved for the first time in their history. They moved level with Inter on 16 points at the top of the table.
Lazio needed only three minutes to take the lead. Nuno Tavares collected possession 25 yards from goal before sending a powerful effort into the top corner beyond Noel Tornqvist.
Monza appeared to have responded in the 20th minute when Gustavo Varela found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Lazio doubled their advantage three minutes later. Tavares turned provider this time, delivering an accurate cross into the area for Gustav Isaksen, who finished past Tornqvist.
The visitors’ hopes of recovering were dealt another blow 10 minutes before half-time when Lorenzo Lucchesi was shown a straight red card. He had brought down Tijjani Noslin while the Lazio forward was through on goal.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, Monza responded quickly after the interval. Just 45 seconds into the second half, Saba Goglichidze headed in from close range following a corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The Brianzoli then threatened to complete their fightback, with Samuele Birindelli and Varela both having opportunities to bring the scores level.
Lazio resisted the pressure and secured the points in the 88th minute. Andrea Pinamonti scored the home side’s third goal to end any remaining doubt over the outcome.
The victory keeps Lazio unbeaten after six league matches and leaves them alongside Inter at the summit with 16 points.