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| Mauri makes it four in a row for Lazio |
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A Stefano Mauri-inspired Lazio beat Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico to record their fourth consecutive win in Serie A.
The Italy international set up the opener for Sergio Floccari in the 21st minute before scoring his side's second shortly after the restart.
Alessandro Matri pulled one back for Cagliari before the hour mark, but in the end it was Lazio who were unlucky not to add to their tally before the full-time whistle.
The result strengthened Lazio's position at the top of the standings.
The Romans went into the encounter against the team from Sardinia in buoyant mood, having had not given away goal in 294 minutes of football.
And they started in confident fashion with Mauro Zarate's early effort saved by Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi.
At the other end, Lazio keeper Fernando Muslera did well to clear Matri4s pass with his Cagliari team-mate Andrea Lazzari waiting in front of goal.
The hosts took the lead midway through the first half.
Mauri set up Floccari inside the area and he struck the ball past Agazzi to put Lazio in front.
On the half-hour mark, Floccari forced a save from Agazzi with a fierce left-footed drive from the edge of the area.
Cagliari should have restored parity on the stroke of half-time but Matri4s header from Andrea Cossu's free-kick flew over the bar.
Lazio had the wind in their sails but did not double their advantage until eight minutes into the second half.
Floccari4s low cross was deflected by Hernanes towards Cagliari4s box and an off-balanced Mauri fell forward, inadvertently chesting the ball into the goal.
After the fortuitous goal, the Sardinians reduced the deficit in the 59th minute.
Matri latched onto Cossu4s cross from the right and his powerful header beat Muslera.
As the minutes ticked away, Lazio substitute Tommaso Rocchi was presented with a great chance to make it 3-1 when he found himself with a sight of goal, but his close-range effort from Mauri's pass was off target.
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