Lazio snatch dramatic stoppage-time winner at Cremonese to close gap on Atalanta

Key facts

• Cremonese took the lead in the first half through Bonazzoli after a defensive error by Motta.
• Isaksen equalised for Lazio in the second half, assisted by Noslin following a long run from Tavares.
• Noslin scored the winning goal in stoppage time, completing the comeback.
• The victory moves Lazio to within four points of Atalanta, who currently occupy seventh place.
• Cremonese remain four points adrift of Lecce and stay in the relegation zone.
• Referee Chiffi issued yellow cards to Provstgaard (39'), Barbieri (75'), and Tavares (88').

Comeback at the Stadio Zini

Lazio overturned a first-half deficit to beat Cremonese 2-1 at the Stadio Zini, with substitute Noslin scoring the decisive goal deep into stoppage time. The result lifts the Biancocelesti to within four points of Atalanta, who currently hold seventh place in Serie A. Cremonese had taken the lead in the first half through Bonazzoli, capitalising on a defensive mix-up involving Lazio goalkeeper Motta. The home side's advantage lasted until the second half, when Lazio's Tavares embarked on a surging run before setting up Noslin, who teed up Isaksen for the equaliser. Isaksen, named man of the match, then turned provider in the 91st minute, feeding Noslin to fire home the winner and complete the turnaround.

Noslin and Isaksen combine to turn the tide

The introduction of Noslin at half-time proved decisive for Lazio. The forward not only assisted Isaksen's equaliser but also scored the winner, showcasing his impact in the final third. Isaksen, the Danish winger, was instrumental throughout, creating chances and finishing clinically. Tavares' long second-half run was the catalyst for the equaliser, as the Portuguese full-back drove forward before finding Noslin. The move highlighted Lazio's improved intensity after the break, a shift that coach Baroni had called for at half-time.

Cremonese's relegation fears deepen

For Cremonese, the defeat leaves them four points adrift of Lecce and firmly in the relegation zone. The team had shown resilience in the first half, with Bonazzoli's goal giving them a platform, but they were unable to hold on against Lazio's second-half pressure. Coach Stroppa's side now face an uphill battle to avoid the drop, with fixtures against direct rivals looming. The loss at home, where they had hoped to build momentum, compounds their precarious position.

Referee Chiffi keeps control in physical contest

Referee Daniele Chiffi managed a high-tempo, physical match with few controversial decisions. He issued three yellow cards: to Provstgaard (39') for a robust challenge on Bonazzoli, to Barbieri (75') for a foul on Tavares, and to Tavares (88') for stopping a counter-attack with a high leg. The only potential flashpoint came when Romagnoli escaped a booking for a challenge on Vardy in the 84th minute, but overall Chiffi's handling was deemed correct by analysts. VAR officials Camplone and Mazzoleni had little to review.

Lazio's European push gains momentum

The victory is Lazio's third in four league matches, propelling them up the table and within striking distance of the European places. With Atalanta just four points ahead, the Biancocelesti have revived their hopes of qualifying for continental competition. Lazio's next fixture is a Coppa Italia tie against Inter Milan, followed by a league match against the same opponent. The double-header will test the squad's depth, but the momentum from this comeback could prove invaluable.

What lies ahead for both sides

Lazio will host Inter in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday before facing them again in Serie A next weekend. Coach Baroni will hope to maintain the second-half intensity that overturned Cremonese. For Cremonese, the immediate priority is to halt their slide, with a relegation six-pointer against Lecce on the horizon. The gap to safety is not insurmountable, but every defeat narrows the margin for error. Cremonese must rediscover the defensive solidity that characterised their early-season performances if they are to escape the drop.

The bottom line

• Lazio's Noslin scored a stoppage-time winner to complete a 2-1 comeback at Cremonese.
• Isaksen equalised in the second half and was named man of the match.
• Cremonese remain four points from safety after Bonazzoli's opener proved insufficient.
• The win moves Lazio within four points of seventh-placed Atalanta.
• Referee Chiffi issued three yellow cards in a well-managed, physical contest.
• Lazio now face Inter twice in quick succession, while Cremonese prepare for a crucial relegation clash with Lecce.