After what had been a promising start to the season for Alberto Paloschi and Chievo despite coming in with only a point, the flying donkeys fell victim to a shuffled Lazio side who have finally found their form. Vladimir Petkovic's side was missing Biglia and Hernanes, but grabbed an early goal through Candreva and never looked back.

The match started in fairlycompetitive fashion as both sides looked capable of going in front, but it would be Lazio who capitalized first through Candreva.  Ederson made a hooking slide tackle in  the centre of the pitch which would have made Arturo Vidalproud, and his through ball put Candreva in on goal where he made no mistake. Chievo didn't back down however, as an inspired attack kept fighting for a chance to equalize.

Cana made a massive block on a screaming shot from distance to help Marchetti, who minutes later would  spill a Paloschi shot, but the reboundwas put just over the bar by Thereau, and it was not to be for Chievo.Then on 39 minutes arun by Cavanda down the rightflankresulted in another Biancoceleste goal. After his initial cross went begging the return cross from Christian Ledesma was just beyond Puggioni's grasp and Cavanda poked it home.

Just 3 minutes later Eddy Onazi put Lulic through on goal with a perfectly weighted through ball and he finished calmly slotting the ball just past Puggioni and just inside the far post.

Chievoactually enjoyed more of the possession in the first half, andfoughtvaliantlybutthe quality of the reshuffled Laziali midfield and what has been a strong backline proved to be justtoo muchfor Chievo to break down. The flying donkeys looked energeticwhen they got forward butlacked the final pass to really register a quality shot on goal.

The second half started much how thefirst ended, with a resilient Chievo side playing like they were1 down opposed to 3. While the possession was fairly equal, Lazio were managing to make significantly more out of their possession.

About 20 minutes insome nice build up play saw the ball shunted wide to Antonio Candreva. Candreva, who was very good throughout, came closeto grabbing a second goalwith  a sumptuouslofted chip attempt which had the misfortune of hitting the cross bar instead of the back of the net.

The attacks didn't end there as Puggioni was forced to make agreat save from point blank on Klose after an inch perfect cross picked out the Germanin the box. It was Chievo's turn to attack after a Paloshchi back heal flick came close, Marchetti would be called into action by a vicious volley from Estigarribia,butthe Italianinternational did his job well.

Only moments later a beautiful lofted through ball was played over the top to Klose whowas forcedto stretch for it and he puts it just wide of the target. The Lazio attack continued after some lovely link-up play picked out Onazi who would have scored but for a great bit of goal keeping by Puggioni.

Paloschi would register one more shot on goal but that was all she wrote. Both managers would be quoted afterwards saying they were pleased with their sides performances, Sannino for how Chievo played a tough second half against a very good Lazio side, and Petkovic for the teams ability to fire on all cylinders without key players.

Chievo host Udinese next Saturday, the 21st, while Lazio stay in Rome for the Derby Della Capitale with cross city rivals A.S. Roma. 

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About the author
Anthony Cooper
Fan of Calcio in general, Juventus specifically, and West Virginia University sports here at home. Currently pursuing a Masters of Philosophy, I write on Calcio for Vavel Uk, and Juventus for JuveFC.com. Italian in all but location. You can follow me on twitter @acoop13