Lazio Advances to Coppa Italia Semis via Penalty Win Over Bologna

Lazio advanced to the semifinals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night, defeating defending champions Bologna 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Stadio Dall'Ara in Bologna.

Santiago Castro gave Bologna the lead in the 30th minute with a header from a corner kick, capitalizing on early pressure against a Lazio side that struggled in the first half. The visitors, however, mounted a comeback shortly after the interval when substitute Tijjani Noslin equalized just three minutes into the second half, finding space in the box to slot home and level the score. Neither team could break the deadlock despite a tightly contested match, forcing the outcome to penalties.

In the shootout, Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel made an immediate impact by saving Lewis Ferguson's opening effort for Bologna, putting the hosts at a disadvantage. Riccardo Orsolini then missed for Bologna, while Lazio converted their kicks, with Kenneth Taylor firing the decisive shot down the middle to secure the victory. Noslin, who disrupted Bologna's defense after entering as a substitute, was named player of the match for his goal and overall influence.