Zaccagni Penalty Secures Gritty Victory for Nine-Man Lazio Over Cagliari

Lazio secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night, surviving a dramatic late red card flurry to claim all three points in their Serie A clash.

The hosts enjoyed a dream start, breaking the deadlock after just two minutes. Boulaye Dia reacted sharpest in the box, turning home a loose ball from close range to give the Biancocelesti an instant advantage. However, Cagliari refused to back down and fought their way back into the contest. In the 41st minute, Zito Luvumbo found space inside the area and unleashed a shot that took a cruel deflection before beating the goalkeeper, leveling the score before the interval.

The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Lazio were awarded a crucial penalty. Veteran winger Mattia Zaccagni stepped up under immense pressure and clinically converted the spot-kick to restore the hosts' lead.

Cagliari’s hopes of another comeback evaporated in the 85th minute during a chaotic disciplinary meltdown. Both Yerry Mina and Michel Adopo received their second yellow cards in quick succession, leaving the visitors with just nine men on the pitch. Lazio comfortably managed the remaining minutes to secure the victory, keeping them firmly in the hunt for European spots.