Kenneth Taylor's second-half heroics propelled Lazio to a vital 2-0 Serie A victory over Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.
This crucial Serie A clash on March 22, 2026, pitted two sides battling for European qualification. Bologna, sitting 8th with a strong recent form, aimed to consolidate their position. Meanwhile, 9th-placed Lazio arrived looking to bridge the two-point gap on their rivals.
The opening half unfolded as a tactical affair, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Neither side managed to create many clear-cut opportunities, leading to a cagey contest in Bologna.
Lazio made an early adjustment, with Mario Gila Fuentes departing for Oliver Provstgaard in the 26th minute. The half concluded with further changes for the visitors as Pedro made way for Tijjani Noslin just after the break.
The second half began with immediate drama as Bologna earned a penalty in the 51st minute. Riccardo Orsolini stepped up confidently but failed to convert, sending his spot-kick wide of the target.
The missed penalty proved to be a significant turning point, shifting momentum. Bologna introduced fresh legs, with Jaden Rowe and Orsolini himself being replaced in the 63rd minute. However, the home side soon saw Santiago Castro and Vincenzo Italiano booked for yellow cards in quick succession, disrupting their rhythm.
Lazio capitalized on Bologna's frustration, opening the scoring in the 72nd minute. Kenneth Taylor found the net with a well-taken effort, giving the visitors a crucial lead. Bologna responded with further substitutions, bringing on Tomas Heggem and Federico Bernardeschi.
Taylor then received a yellow card in the 77th minute, but his impact was far from over. He struck again in the 82nd minute, securing his double and Lazio's second goal. Boulaye Dia, a second-half substitute, provided the assist for Taylor's decisive strike.
Despite Bologna enjoying more possession with 53% and registering 13 total shots, Lazio proved more clinical. The visitors generated a higher Expected Goals (xG) of 1.6 compared to Bologna's 1.3, making their five shots on target count.
Lazio's goalkeeper Edoardo Motta also played a crucial role, making three saves to preserve his clean sheet. This commanding performance saw him ranked as the second-highest-rated player of the match.
This vital away victory sees Lazio leapfrog Bologna in the Serie A standings, significantly boosting their European qualification aspirations. For Bologna, it marked a missed opportunity to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
