Lazio have secured their place in the Coppa Italia final after a tense and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atalanta, following a fiercely contested semi-final tie that ended 3–3 on aggregate.
Both sides entered the second leg level after a 2–2 draw in the first meeting, setting the stage for a decisive encounter.
Despite the high stakes, the return fixture remained goalless for much of the game, with defenses holding firm and chances at a premium.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 84th minute when Alessio Romagnoli put Lazio ahead. Meeting a pinpoint corner from Mattia Zaccagni, Romagnoli struck a clean volley to give the hosts a late advantage.
However, the lead proved short-lived. Just two minutes later, Atalanta responded through Mario Pašalić, who finished off a well-worked move initiated by Nikola Krstović to restore parity.
With the aggregate score tied at 3–3 after normal time and no further goals in extra time, the contest was decided from the penalty spot.
The shootout saw Atalanta struggle, with only Giacomo Raspadori converting his effort, while Charles De Ketelaere, Pašalić, Davide Zappacosta, and Gianluca Scamacca all missed.
Lazio held their nerve, with Gustav Isaksen and Kenneth Taylor converting their kicks to seal progression to the final.
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Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru featured prominently after coming on in the 77th minute, delivering a composed and disciplined display.
He completed 82 percent of his passes, contributed dangerous crosses, and showed strong defensive work rate throughout his time on the pitch.
The victory sends Lazio into their first Coppa Italia final in seven years, where they will face Inter Milan on May 13.
The Rome-based club will be aiming to lift the trophy for the eighth time, having last won it in 2019 with a 2–0 victory over Atalanta.
For Dele-Bashiru, the final presents an opportunity to claim his first major silverware in European football.
