Daniel Maldini scored a 95th-minute equalizer to salvage a dramatic 3-3 draw for Lazio against Udinese in a Serie A thriller at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The result sees Maurizio Sarri's side move level on points with Bologna in eighth place, while Udinese rued letting a lead slip twice in a match that exploded with five second-half goals.
The visitors took an early lead through Iyenoma Udogie in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a Lazio side that appeared disjointed following significant rotation ahead of their upcoming Coppa Italia commitments. The first half concluded with Udinese in firm control, but the match transformed after the interval. Lazio's halftime introduction of Pedro and Tom Dele-Bashiru provided immediate impetus, and Luca Pellegrini leveled the score with a spectacular volley five minutes into the second period.
The momentum swung decisively when veteran winger Pedro curled in a magnificent strike from the edge of the box to give Lazio a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute. Udinese, however, displayed remarkable resilience. Substitute forward Youssouf Atta pounced on a parried save from Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas to tap in an 84th-minute equalizer. In a stunning turn, Atta then completed a quickfire double, firing home in the 93rd minute to seemingly secure all three points for the Friulani.
Yet, the drama had one final act. In the fifth minute of added time, a Lazio corner led to a goalmouth scramble. After a header from Alessio Romagnoli struck the post and a follow-up was blocked, the ball fell to Daniel Maldini, who stabbed home from close range to send the sparse Olimpico crowd into raptures. The goal capped a remarkable personal moment for the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who had only entered the fray as a substitute 15 minutes prior.
The match was played against a backdrop of continued protest from Lazio's supporters, with large sections of the stadium empty as part of an ongoing boycott against the club's ownership. On the pitch, the point provides a modest boost to Lazio's European aspirations, though their inconsistency remains a concern. For Udinese, the late concession will feel like a defeat, undermining what was otherwise a spirited attacking performance away from home. The shared spoils mean both teams remain in the congested mid-table of Serie A, with Lazio's focus now shifting entirely to their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.
