Two Lazio Games That Shocked the Bookmakers | OneFootball

The history of football is filled with games that defy expectations, and for followers of Lazio, a few such matches stand out. These are contests where the odds were stacked against the club, only for them to emerge with a stunning victory. These two examples perfectly showcase Lazio’s ability to triumph when the script is all but written for their defeat.

Riyadh Rhapsody: Stunning Juventus in the Super Cup (December 2019)

Match Details: Lazio 3-1 Juventus, December 22, 2019, Italian Super Cup Final

In a captivating clash held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Lazio, under the shrewd guidance of Simone Inzaghi, delivered a performance for the ages. Juventus, the reigning Serie A champions and a seemingly unshakeable force in Italian football, were the overwhelming favorites. The sports betting platforms like Lottoland reflected this, with a Juventus win hovering around 1.70 to 1.85, while a Lazio victory was considered a long shot at 3.80 to 4.50.

Lazio, however, had other ideas. Goals from Luis Alberto, Senad Lulić, and Danilo Cataldi sealed a memorable 3-1 victory. This win was not just a title; it was a statement. It was particularly sweet as Lazio had also beaten Juventus in Serie A just a fortnight prior, a rare blip for Maurizio Sarri’s (then Juventus coach) otherwise dominant run. The Super Cup triumph solidified Lazio’s reputation as a genuine giant-killer that season, proving that on their day, they could knock even the mightiest opponents off their perch.

Napoli’s Nightmare: Conquering the Maradona (March 2023)

Match Details: Napoli 0-1 Lazio, March 3, 2023, Serie A

This was arguably one of the most unexpected triumphs in recent memory. In March 2023, Lazio traveled to Naples to face a Napoli side that was dominating Serie A. They were leading the league by a massive margin, looking unstoppable on their march to the Scudetto, and had just rattled off eight consecutive league wins. Playing at their spiritual home, the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Napoli were overwhelming favorites, with odds for a win typically around 1.30 to 1.45. A Lazio victory was considered a pipe dream, with odds soaring from 6.00 to 7.50.

Yet, Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, known for their tactical nous and defensive steel, delivered a masterclass. They frustrated Napoli at every turn. Then, in a moment of brilliance, Matías Vecino unleashed a powerful shot from distance in the 67th minute, securing a famous 1-0 victory. The result not only stopped Napoli’s remarkable winning streak but also handed them an exceedingly rare home defeat. It perfectly illustrated Lazio’s uncanny ability to pull off a shocker when it’s least expected, snatching victory from the jaws of statistical improbability.

Takeaways

These games, for wildly different reasons, transformed what were considered “sure things” into cautionary tales for sports bettors. They are proof that in football, and with betting odds, things can change in an instant. This unpredictability is precisely why fans love the beautiful game, and why a perceived home advantage can sometimes just… disappear. What are some of your most unforgettable Lazio upsets?

What’s your most unforgettable Lazio upset? Spill the beans in the comments below – and if you remember the odds, even better!