Lazio vs Fiorentina Match Recap - Jan 7, 2026

Lazio and Fiorentina Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Lazio's inability to convert dominance into victory continues to haunt them, as they settled for a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Despite leading in shots on goal (5 to 1) and total shots (11 to 2), Lazio's recent struggles in finishing were on full display. The team has now drawn five of their last six matches, a trend that reflects their ongoing battle for consistency.

Danilo Cataldi emerged as a key figure for Lazio, scoring the equalizer early in the second half. His performance was crucial, especially considering Lazio's recent form where they have struggled to find the back of the net. The team has averaged just 0.68 expected goals (xG) over their last five matches, a stark contrast to their xG of 1.15 in this fixture. This inconsistency in finishing has left them languishing in mid-table, currently sitting in ninth place with 24 points.

Fiorentina's recent resurgence was evident as they managed to secure a late penalty through Albert Guðmundsson, who has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal season. His ability to convert from the spot not only salvaged a point but also highlighted Fiorentina's resilience despite their struggles this season. With only two wins from their last 18 matches, they remain entrenched in the relegation zone, now sitting in 19th place with just 12 points.

Lazio's tactical setup under Maurizio Sarri has often favored possession-based football, yet their inability to translate that into goals remains a significant concern. They controlled 51% of the ball against Fiorentina but failed to capitalize on their chances. The team's pass accuracy of 88% indicates a level of control, but it is their lack of clinical finishing that continues to undermine their efforts.

Fiorentina's defensive frailties were exposed throughout the match, particularly in the lead-up to Lazio's first goal. Despite having a solid pass accuracy of 90%, they struggled to contain Lazio's attacking threats. The absence of a cohesive defensive strategy has been a recurring theme for Fiorentina this season, contributing to their poor league standing.

Robin Gosens's equalizer just four minutes after Cataldi's goal showcased Fiorentina's ability to respond under pressure. His performance was vital, especially considering Fiorentina's recent form where they had been unable to find the net consistently. This match marked a turning point for him, as he had struggled to make an impact in previous outings.

The late drama unfolded when Pedro converted a penalty for Lazio deep into stoppage time, further emphasizing the chaotic nature of the match. This moment encapsulated Lazio's ongoing struggle for points; while they have shown flashes of brilliance, their inability to close out games has cost them dearly.

Fiorentina's reliance on individual brilliance from players like Moise Kean and Guðmundsson has been evident throughout the season. Kean's recent form has been promising, but he remains inconsistent, mirroring Fiorentina's overall struggles. The team must find a way to harness this talent more effectively if they hope to escape the relegation zone.

Looking ahead, Lazio will face Verona next, where they will need to address their finishing woes if they hope to climb the table. Their upcoming match will be crucial; another failure to secure three points could further erode confidence within the squad.

Fiorentina will host AC Milan, a daunting task given their current form. They must build on this draw and find ways to convert their possession into meaningful chances if they are to avoid relegation. The pressure is mounting for coach Paolo Vanoli, who must find solutions quickly.

This match served as a microcosm of both teams' seasons: Lazio's struggle for consistency and Fiorentina's fight against relegation. The draw leaves both teams with more questions than answers as they navigate the challenges ahead in Serie A.