Lazio have missed out on the opportunity to cement third place in Serie A as the Biancocelesti laboured to a 1-1 draw away at Hellas Verona this evening.
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The opening stages of the game proved error-strewn as both sides nervously probed their way into the game at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.
Lazio were responsible for the first chance of the game in the 13th minute, courtesy of Lucas Biglia's overhit shot from outside the box, which came about thanks to a good Marco Parolo heel pass.
As the first half went on, the game grew increasingly scrappy as several players found their way into the book for rash challenges, while chances remained at a premium.
In the 29th minute, Bosko Jankovic narrowly missed with a bullet header following Nico Lopez's cross, which ushered a spell of open-ended football and efforts from both sides.
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The visitors broke the deadlock with three minutes to go in the first half when Vangelis Moras's mistake in the Hellas box allowed Senad Lulic to poke home from close range.
The second half saw the home side slowly take charge of the game, with Luca Toni responsible for a multitude of Hellas chances in the opening stages which all came close.
In the 67th minute, Luis Cavanda recklessly brought down Juanito Gomes in the Lazio box to gift the hosts a penalty and get himself sent off in the process for a second yellow card in 20 minutes.
Toni stepped up and duly struck low past Federico Marchetti to pull his side level, with the beleaguered Biancocelesti unable to get back into the game from then on.
The result means that Lazio are third in the Serie A table on goal difference with 16 points, six points behind Roma and Juventus, while Hellas Verona are 12th.
Giuseppe Labellarte
