Lazio started their campaign on the worst possible note, getting thumped out of the Coppa Italia after a home defeat to Serie B side Mantova.
The Biancocelesti failed to make the most out of their early onslaught, while the Lombardians managed to snatch the lead against the run of play in the final 15 minutes through Francesco Ruocco, before adding a second with the final kick of the game, when Gennaro Gattuso sent 11 men forward.
Here are our ratings for the Lazio players, with most of them producing disappointing performances in the shocking defeat to Mantova.
Lazio XI (4-3-3)
Christos Mandas – 5.5
The Greek goalkeeper made three routine saves in the first half, but he was beaten to the ball by the onrushing Ruocco on the opener when he thought he had it covered.
Adam Marusic – 5.5
The often-maligned veteran was behind two chances that were squandered by Cancellieri, but he and Doekhi allowed Ruocco to sneak past them on the first goal.
Danilho Doekhi – 5.5
It was a solid debut for the Dutch defender, who showed his prowess in aerial duels, but he was oblivious to Ruocco’s run on the opener.
Oliver Provstgaard – 5.5
The Danish centre-back hardly put a foot wrong in defence, but with Gattuso insisting on building from the back, his limited technical skills are getting exposed.
Alfonso Pedraza – 5
The debutant Spaniard founded Cancellieri with a clever through ball early in the match, but he wasn’t able to create danger afterwards. He also wasn’t convincing at the back.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6
The Nigerian international had a promising first half. He almost opened the scoring with a deflected shot, and tested Francesco Bardi with a long-range effort. However, his impact dwindled in the second half, especially after receiving a yellow card.
Nicolo Rovella – 5
The Italian Regista delivered a performance below his standards. While he was always at the centre of the action, he wasn’t able to inspire his teammates.
Kenneth Taylor – 5
The former Ajax star brought the engine, but added little to nothing in the buildup. He had a big chance to bring Lazio back into the game, but could only forge a tame shot with his weaker right foot.
Matteo Cancellieri – 6
The winger was guilty of squandering at least three inviting opportunities, but he was the main source of danger for Lazio. He was also willing to do the dirty work, constantly tracking back to support Marusic in the defensive phase.
Boulaye Dia – 4
A sub-par display from the Senegalese who wasted a glorious chance on the rebound early on. With the entire goal at his mercy, he shot straight at Bardi. His passive touch often killed off any danger Lazio was trying to create.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5.5
The Lazio captain was on the receiving end of a constant ‘beatdown’ from Bodin Tomasevic, who left the pitch early after getting booked. His teammates turned to him for inspiration, but their over-reliance on his skills made their game rather predictable.
Substitutes
Luca Pellegrini – 5.5
The left-back was behind two dangerous chances for Cancellieri and Taylor, but he was too casual in his defending on the opener.
Petar Ratkov – 5.5
The Serbian was an upgrade on Dia thanks to his aerial presence, but sent his header wide on the corner kick.
Davide Frattesi – 5
Aside from helping Marusic set up a chance for Cancellieri, the former InterMilan midfielder had a debut to forget.
Reda Belahyane – N/A
Tijjani Noslin – N/A