Lazio Advances to Italian Cup Final via Penalties Over Atalanta

In Bergamo, Italy, on Wednesday, Lazio advanced to the Italian Cup final by defeating Atalanta 2-1 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time, securing their place against Serie A leaders Inter Milan on May 13.

The second leg of the semifinal, played before a packed crowd at Atalanta's Gewiss Stadium, leveled the aggregate score at 3-3 following a 2-2 first-leg result in Rome on March 4. Lazio's 21-year-old goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, who joined the club from Monza in January, emerged as the match's standout performer. In the shootout, he saved four consecutive penalties from Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, and Charles De Ketelaere. Lazio's Gustav Isaksen and Kenneth Taylor converted their attempts, while Nuno Tavares and Danilo Cataldi missed for the visitors, sealing the victory.

The game remained tightly contested throughout. Atalanta dominated early possession, creating several chances, including a close-range header from Nicola Zalewski that Motta tipped over the bar and a volley from the same player deflected wide by Mario Gila. Lazio countered effectively, with Tijjani Noslin's shot charged down and Mattia Zaccagni delivering key...