Europe-chasing Lazio slip up in Verona draw
Despite their lowly position in the table, Verona have lost just once since the turn of the year as they battle to avoid relegation.
With revenge on their minds after the 2-0 defeat to Lazio in this season’s reverse fixture, the hosts were lively in the first half, and had a good chance to take the lead when Cyril Ngonge’s long-range effort was pushed into the path of the onrushing Josh Doig, who blazed his shot high and wide on the rebound.
Searching for the opening goal before the interval, the Gialloblu went close when Fabio Depaoli’s shot from the edge of the area was well saved by Ivan Provedel.
The home fans will have been buoyed by their team’s first-half display against the side with the second-best defensive record in Serie A, but they had the wind knocked out of their sails with half time approaching.
A moment of magic from Pedro saw the 2010 World Cup winner take a lofted pass under his spell and shoot on the turn to find the top left corner, ensuring Lazio held a slender one-goal advantage at the break.
The hosts came out like a team possessed after the interval, and soon got themselves back on level terms when the impressive Ngonge rose highest to meet Darko Lazovic’s free-kick and head home for the equaliser.
Marco Zaffaroni’s side were totally dominant in this period of the match, and they came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Lazović’s curling effort from 30 yards came back off the right post.
The match was there for the taking for either side in the closing stages, and both teams had opportunities to strike the decisive blow, however they eventually had to settle for a point apiece.
Verona remain 18th, four points from safety, while Lazio stay inside the top-four having missed the chance to climb to third.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Cyril Ngonge (Hellas Verona)