Mattia Zaccagni notched a well-taken winner to end Lazio’s seven-game run without a victory over Juventus, with a first head-to-head triumph since 2019 putting the hosts one step closer to securing second place and their highest Serie A finish in 23 years.Previously in charge of Juventus for just over 12 months, Maurizio Sarri has already lasted a lot longer at Lazio, and he put his former employers to the sword for much of the first half. With confidence still coursing through his veins after a superb free-kick against Monza last time out, talismanic midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić provided much of the threat. And after 38 minutes of consistent pressure from the Eagles, he bagged the opener by chesting down Zaccagni’s upfield ball and firing home at the back post.It was not a strike without controversy though, as a theatrical fall by the defending marker Alex Sandro led to a VAR review, but only to the effect of confirming his simulation and green-lighting the goal. That infuriated the Bianconeri, who had failed to muster any meaningful efforts towards Ivan Provedel’s net until just before halftime. Ángel Di María’s delicious corner-kick provided the opportunity to level, and through sheer determination, Adrien Rabiot bundled the ball over the line to end Lazio’s sensational streak of clean sheets at six games.Sarri’s side re-established their dominance after the break, however, as Zaccagni went from provider to finisher in a free-flowing Lazio move. Felipe Anderson’s cutback already had the visitors scrambling, but Luis Alberto’s ice-cool backheel created acres of space for the 27-year-old to pick his spot and curl into the far corner.With Juventus on the ropes, Zaccagni almost set up a comfortable end to the game by converting Milinković-Savić’s cross and clinching what appeared to be his second of the night, but the linesman’s flag cut his celebrations short.The Bianconeri probed until the final whistle, with Nicolò Fagioli blazing their best chance over the bar, but Sarri’s rock-solid defence stood firm to clinch the three points. A first defeat in six matches represents less than ideal preparation for Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri, who was absent from the touchline due to illness, ahead of daunting clashes with Napoli, Sporting and Inter Milan before the end of the month. Lazio, meanwhile, can rejoice in a job well done after restoring a five-point gap ahead of third place, following their hated rivals Roma’s earlier victory at Torino.SERIE A – ROUND 29FridaySalernitana – Inter 1-1 (0-1)/Gosens 6 – Candreva 89/Lecce – Napoli 1-2 (0-1)/Di Francesco 52 – Di Lorenzo 18, Gallo 64 og/Milan – Empoli 0-0SaturdayUdinese – Monza 2-2 (1-0)/Lovric 18, Beto 90+2 pen – Colpani 48, Rovella 56/Fiorentina – Spezia 1-1 (1-1)/Wisniewski 25 og – Nzola 32/Atalanta – Bologna 0-2 (0-0)/Sansone 49, Orsolini 86/Sampdoria – Cremonese 2-3 (1-1)/Leris 15, Lammers 65, – Ghiglione 35, Lochoshvili 85, Sernicola 90+5/Torino – Roma 0-1 (0-1)/Dybala 8 pen/Verona – Sassuolo 2-1 (0-1)/Ceccherini 84, Gaich 90+5 -Harroui 34/Lazio – Juventus 2-1 (1-1)/S Milinkovic-Savic 38, Zacchagni 53 – Rabiot 42/
