Albert Guðmundsson dramatically marked his SS Lazio debut, heading home a late winner to complete a 2-1 comeback victory over Udinese and give the Biancocelesti three wins from their opening three Serie A matches for only the third time.
Udinese started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 12th minute when Keinan Davis’ low effort forced Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas into a sharp save. Mandas then reacted quickly to deny Hassane Kamara from the rebound.
Lazio survived another scare midway through the first half when Mërgim Vojvoda’s underhit backpass allowed Mattia Zaccagni to race towards goal. However, Maduka Okoye was spared when Lennon Miller tracked back to clear the danger.
Udinese were also forced into two early changes. Jakub Piotrowski went off after only 16 minutes, while Oumar Solet was withdrawn seven minutes before half-time after picking up an injury.
Kamara came close to opening the scoring before the break as he attempted to become the first Udinese player since 2011 to score in each of the club’s first three Serie A matches of a season, but Mandas produced another impressive save to keep Lazio level.
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The hosts finally broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart. Captain Jesper Karlström collected Davis’ layoff and fired through Mandas’ legs to register only his second Serie A goal.
Lazio immediately searched for a response, with Kenneth Taylor shooting narrowly wide before Okoye produced a point-blank save to deny Zaccagni during a goalmouth scramble.
Udinese continued to threaten, but Lazio gradually took control and were rewarded 15 minutes from time. Zaccagni sent a low cross into the area, allowing Frattesi to poke the ball home for his third goal in as many Serie A appearances since joining the club on loan from Inter Milan.
The visitors nearly completed the comeback moments later when Zaccagni’s half-volley struck the post.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Guðmundsson delivered the decisive moment two minutes from full-time, rising to head Danilho Doekhi’s cross beyond Okoye and send Lazio into celebration.
The victory gives Lazio their fourth win in their last five Serie A away matches.
For Udinese, the defeat ends their unbeaten start to the campaign and extends their difficult home record. The Friulani have now won only one of their last seven Serie A matches at home, drawing two and losing four.
