SOCCER: Motta saves four as Lazio beat Atalanta on penalties to reach Coppa Italia final

BERGAMO, Italy – Lazio secured their place in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday evening, defeating Atalanta 2-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in regulation. The result saw the tie finish level at 3-3 on aggregate, with Lazio emerging victorious thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Edoardo Motta.

Motta saved four penalties in the shootout, with only one Atalanta player able to find the back of the net. Kenneth Taylor and Gustav Isaksen converted for Lazio, sending them through to the final and leaving the home crowd in disbelief.

The two teams began the second leg tied at 2-2 following a thrilling draw in Rome earlier in March. However, the return fixture at the Gewiss Stadium started off slowly, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances in a stale first half.

Atalanta seemed to have found the breakthrough just after the hour mark when Ederson bundled home a rebound after a goalmouth scramble. But the goal was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, which concluded there had been a foul on Motta in the build-up. The decision was met with boos from the home supporters, who had been hoping to see their team take control of the tie.

In the 84th minute, Lazio capitalized on Atalanta's defensive lapse. Alessio Romagnoli seized on a loose ball and fired it past goalkeeper Juan Musso to give Lazio the lead. However, Atalanta responded swiftly, with Mario Pasalic scoring a brilliant low, deflected strike from outside the box just two minutes later, leveling the score at 1-1.

The drama continued into stoppage time, where Motta made a crucial save to deny Gianluca Scamacca’s powerful header, tipping it onto the far post before the ball bounced clear. With no further goals in extra time, the match proceeded to penalties.

Lazio’s composed finishing in the shootout, combined with Motta’s heroics in goal, ensured their spot in the final, where they will face Inter Milan. Inter overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Como 3-2 at home on Tuesday, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory after a goalless first leg.

The Coppa Italia final will take place on May 13, promising an exciting clash between two of Italy’s top sides.

-Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk, Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters