Lazio slip to Genoa defeat

Lazio have suffered their first home defeat of the season at the hands of Genoa, piling the pressure on coach Vladimir Petkovic after conceding twice in the second half.

Petkovic decided to drop Hernanes from his squad this afternoon, with the hosts dominating in the first half despite not having the Brazilian playmaker.

Miroslav Klose clipped the post with a measured volley and was also denied by a wonderful save from Mattia Perin early on, with the goalkeeper at full stretch to keep out a powerful header.

Antonio Candreva forced Perin into another stop with a free kick soon after, but the Aquile were unable to break the deadlock and ultimately paid a heavy price for that lack of cutting edge.

Genoa grew in confidence after the break and took the lead on 60 minutes through Juraj Kucka, who angled a drive across Federico Marchetti and into the corner.

Things then went from bad to worse for Lazio as they conceded a penalty following Michael Ciani's handball inside the box, with Alberto Gilardino making no mistake from the spot to double Genoa's advantage.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side closed out the match to frustrate fans at the Olimpico, keeping their recent revival going to go within one point of the hosts.