Italian Teams Face Mixed Results in Pre-Season Friendlies
The first week of pre-season friendlies saw a mixed bag of results for Italian giants Roma and Lazio, with both teams facing formidable opponents.
Roma's Draw Against Singaporean Side
Roma played out a thrilling 1-1 draw with Union SG in a pre-season friendly in Singapore. The match saw a strong performance from the Italian side, who dominated possession and created numerous chances. However, they were ultimately unable to find a winning goal.
The match saw Roma take the lead in the 60th minute through a well-taken goal by Stephan El Shaarawy. The Italian winger, looking sharp in pre-season, collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a beautiful shot past the Union SG goalkeeper. However, the Singaporean side fought back and equalized in the 80th minute through a penalty by Ikhsan Fandi.
Despite the draw, Roma fans will be encouraged by the team's performance. Jose Mourinho's side looked organized and fluid in attack, and their new signings, such as Renato Sanches, impressed with their energetic displays.
Lazio's Triumph Over Portuguese Giants
Meanwhile, Lazio secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Porto in another pre-season friendly. The match was a tense affair, with both teams creating numerous chances. However, Lazio emerged victorious thanks to goals from Felipe Anderson and Matías Vecino.
Anderson opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. The Brazilian forward showcased his impressive technique and ability to find the back of the net. Vecino then doubled the lead for Lazio in the 70th minute with a well-placed header from a corner kick.
Porto pulled one back in the 85th minute through a stunning free-kick by Otavio. However, Lazio held on for a valuable victory, demonstrating their resilience and offensive prowess.
Looking Ahead
These pre-season friendlies provide valuable insights into the form and fitness of both teams. While Roma might have been disappointed with the draw against Union SG, their performance suggests they are well-prepared for the upcoming season.
Lazio's win over Porto will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they gear up for a potential title challenge.
These early games are a reminder that the Italian giants are serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions. Their performance in these friendlies suggests that they will be formidable opponents for any team they face in the upcoming season.