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| Lazio held to a 1-1 draw by Catania |
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Lazio missed out on the chance to close the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan to a single point as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Catania in Rome this afternoon.
Catania4s Matias Silvestre handed the visitors a 44th minute lead before Lazio4s Hernanes equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Following AC Milan4s 1-1 draw at Sampdoria on Saturday, Lazio knew they could go one point behind the Rossoneri in the standings if they won but today4s result leaves them still second and three points off top.
With just one win in their last five league games, Lazio coach Edy Reja will not be pleased with the result.
Lazio dominated the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico and had numerous chances to claim all three points but were denied by some fine saves from Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.
Catania, meanwhile, have climbed to 11th place but are still winless on their travels this season.
Alejandro Gomez had the first chance of the game early on, with his right-footed effort from the edge of the area saved by Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Lazio dominated possession but it took 36 minutes for them to test Andujar, with Hernanes4powerful free-kick met by a fine save.
At the other end, Muslera had to dive to his right to clear Gomez's stinging drive from the distance.
Catania took the lead soon after when Silvestre4s header from Cristian Llama4s corner-kick beat Muslera.
Catania4s joy was shortlived as Lazio equalised before the break.
A fast counter from Lazio saw Christian Brocchi fed an unmarked Hernanes and his 20-yard shot beat Andujar.
Lazio picked up where they left off after the restart.
Andujar did well to palm over the bar Mauro Zarate4s effort from distance and shortly after the hour mark, Gomez struck wide from the edge of the area.
The Romans should have gone in front in the 70th minute.
Floccari4s header from Pasquale Foggia4s cross was met by another fine save from Andujar.
With 15 minutes remaining, Zarate4s curled effort from 20 yards went just wide of the near post.
Catania defended deeply in the last stages of the game and held on for a deserved point.
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