Atalanta and Lazio Set for Coppa Italia Final Showdown After Penalty Drama
Atalanta and Lazio will meet in the final of the Coppa Italia after a tense semi-final second leg ended 1-1 on the night, with Lazio advancing 4-3 on penalties. The decisive shootout at the Gewiss Stadium was decided by Lazio goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, who made four saves to send Maurizio Sarri's side through to face Inter Milan in the final.
After a goalless first half and a disallowed goal from Atalanta's Ederson in the second, the match exploded in the final minutes. Lazio's Alessio Romagnoli broke the deadlock with a header from a corner in the 84th minute, seemingly sending his team to the final. However, Atalanta's Mario Pašalić responded just two minutes later, forcing extra time with a close-range finish.
With no further goals in extra time, the tie was settled from the penalty spot. According to reports from DAZN, Motta was the hero, saving efforts from Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners, Giorgio Scalvini, and two others. This performance continues a remarkable season for the 23-year-old Italian shot-stopper, who has firmly established himself as Lazio's number one.
For Atalanta, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to add silverware to a season where they have challenged at the top of Serie A. The Bergamo-based club must now refocus on their league campaign, where they remain in contention for a Champions League place. The loss also ends their run in a competition they last won in 1963.
Lazio's progression sets up a final against an Inter Milan side that comfortably dispatched Fiorentina in the other semi-final. The Rome club, who last won the Coppa Italia in 2019, will see the final as a chance to cap a solid season and secure European football. For Sarri, it offers a path to his first major trophy with the Biancocelesti. The final is scheduled to be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome next month.
