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In the central Italian "Serie-A" first round match on Sunday evening, Rome's "Lazio" defeated Genoa's "Sampdoria" away and joined the trio of teams that also won by a minimal margin.
0 - 1 29' [0 - 1] (pen.)
The hosts started the match more aggressively and initially A.Diana smashed the ball over the goal, then goalkeeper A.Peruzzi defended with his feet from F.Flachi's attempt.
On the other side of the field, S.Inzaghi's shot flew just next to the post, and soon after, "Sampdoria" attacker F.Flachi found himself in the heart of the attack again, when F.Bazzani passed him the ball for a shot, which was once again blocked by "Lazio" goalkeeper.
The main moment of the match occurred in the 27th minute - P.Di Canio nicely flicked the ball forward to S.Inzaghi, who jumped alone against the goalkeeper, leaving him with no choice but to bring down the opponent and earn a red card and a penalty kick.
Both "Lazio" attackers argued over who should take the penalty kick from the 11-meter mark, but the 36-year-old veteran Di Canio demanded the opportunity and, after receiving it, defeated the substitute goalkeeper L.Turci. This was Di Canio's first goal in Italy after returning to his homeland after an 8-year break.
In the second half, both teams had opportunities, but later the hosts, playing with ten men, ran out of steam, and the visitors settled for a minimal lead.
