Lazio secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Genoa with a late Danilo Cataldi penalty, capping a thrilling second half after a subdued opening period at the Stadio Olimpico.

After a quiet first half, the match burst into life following the interval, as Lazio extended their winning run against Il Grifone to six consecutive matches. Genoa had battled back impressively from two goals down, only to be denied by a last-gasp spot-kick.

The game was played in an unusually subdued atmosphere, with home supporters staging a boycott and away fans restricted from traveling. The lack of crowd noise was reflected in a slow and cautious opening.

Lazio’s Toma Bašić dragged the first effort well wide, while Genoa’s Morten Frendrup saw a tame attempt comfortably saved by Ivan Provedel. Both sides struggled to create clear chances in the early stages, with several efforts blocked and passages of play breaking down in midfield.

Chances gradually began to emerge as the half progressed. Danilo Cataldi’s long-range effort was blocked by Leo Østigård, while Oliver Provstgaard denied Lorenzo Colombo at the other end. Vitinha and Ruslan Malinovskyi both threatened, but Provedel remained alert in goal.

The match transformed after the break. Lazio took the lead in the 56th minute when Gustav Isaksen’s cross struck Aaron Martin’s hand, allowing Pedro to calmly convert from the penalty spot.

Six minutes later, Isaksen again played a key role, beating Martin to Provedel’s long ball and cutting the ball back for Taylor, who netted his first goal for the Biancocelesti to make it 2-0.

Genoa responded swiftly. Lazio defender Mario Gila conceded a penalty for handling Malinovskyi’s shot, and the Ukrainian midfielder confidently fired his spot-kick past Provedel to reduce the deficit.

Momentum swung further in Genoa’s favor when Malinovskyi’s corner struck the woodwork and deflected into the path of Vitinha, who reacted quickly to slot home the equaliser.

With the match heading for a draw, Lazio were handed a decisive opportunity in stoppage time when Østigård was penalized for handling Petar Ratkov’s header. Tensions flared briefly between Cataldi and Maxwel Cornet before the penalty was taken.

Cataldi kept his composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to find the bottom corner and seal the win for the hosts.

The late strike secured Lazio just their second victory in eight matches and handed Genoa their first defeat of 2026, bringing a dramatic end to an absorbing five-goal contest in Rome.