Coppa Italia: Lazio advances to the final against Inter, Motta heroics on penalties

Lazio and Inter will be the Coppa Italia final. At the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, the Biancocelesti defeated Atalanta on penalties, after a 1-1 draw between regulation and extra time. The match was decided by young goalkeeper Motta, the star of the night with a series of crucial saves and four penalty saves in the final penalty shootout.

Lazio clings to Motta

Atalanta approached the match better and created the most dangerous chances from the opening minutes. The Nerazzurri pushed continuously and attempted to break through with Ederson, Kolasinac, and Krstović, but were met by a highly alert Motta. The home team appeared to have greater intensity and control, but was unable to convert their territorial superiority into a concrete advantage. Lazio struggled, staying compact and attempting to counterattack, but failed to create any real danger in the first half.

The second half didn't change: Atalanta continued to press and even found the net in the 61st minute through Ederson, but VAR ruled out the foul after a lengthy review for a previous foul on Motta. Just as the match seemed to be heading towards extra time, a dramatic finale unfolded. In the 85th minute, Lazio took the lead with a header from Romagnoli , who capitalized on a dead ball situation. Atalanta, however, responded immediately and equalized two minutes later through Pasalic , who leveled the score at 1-1 and restored the tie.

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In extra time, Atalanta returned to the fore. The Bergamo side came close to securing a qualification goal on several occasions, but once again had to contend with a remarkable Motta. The Biancoceleste goalkeeper produced a masterpiece, deflecting a close-range shot from Scamacca onto the post. Lazio also had a chance through Romagnoli, but the scoreline remained unchanged, and the semifinal was decided on penalties.

Motta was once again the star of the show from the penalty spot . After Raspadori 's opening goal for Atalanta , the young goalkeeper stood tall and blocked four consecutive Nerazzurri shots. It was a remarkable performance that gave Lazio the chance to finish the season with a trophy and a place in Europe.