Ratkov Stars Again with Brace as Lazio Thrash Ostiamare 4-0

Zaccagni also scored twice. Gattuso, while awaiting the conclusion of transfer market dealings, fielded the starting defender with the armband in the test match won against De Rossi's side.

Lazio delivered concrete results. Gennaro Gattuso's side secured their fifth pre-season friendly victory, beating Daniele De Rossi's Ostiamare 4-0. More significant than the win against a Serie C opponent, however, was Petar Ratkov's brace (19th and 41st minutes). After months on the fringes, he is now the team's top scorer with six goals in total. While the opposition, all from lower divisions, certainly flattered the statistics, Lazio appear to have found a genuine centre-forward compared to last season. Zaccagni also bagged a brace, first converting a rebound from his own penalty kick, which had hit the crossbar after a Ratkov assist, and then capitalising on a Taylor cross. 

The match 

Gattuso opted for a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to supply Ratkov with as many crosses as possible in the box. However, Lazio's defence, playing a very high line, struggled at times. Indeed, the first chance fell to Tonin, who struck the post from a good position, capitalising on a static Lazio backline. Nevertheless, Ratkov opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a header from a Noslin corner, before the Serb doubled his tally in the 41st minute, assisted by Serra from the right. The former Salzburg player, as in previous friendlies, consistently found himself in the right place at the right time inside the opposition penalty area. His movement, in short, is impeccable. It was no coincidence that Gattuso kept him on the pitch for over an hour. Romagnoli, meanwhile, started and wore the captain's armband, as he awaits clarification on his future. President Claudio Lotito was also in attendance at the match.

This article was originally written in Italian by La Gazzetta dello Sport editor. The English version has been generated using AI translation tools. If you notice any translation errors or have suggestions, please contact us at iniziativegazzetta@rcs.it

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