Serie A - Late Klose goal stuns Inter as Lazio claim points

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     OOJ  - FOOTBALL 2013 Lazio - Inter (Klose)

Serie A, Stadio Olimpico - Lazio 1 (Klose 81) Inter Milan 0

A late goal from Miroslav Klose ensured a happy return to management for Edy Reja as Lazio pulled off a fantastic 1-0 victory over Inter Milan.

The German striker showed wonderful technique to volley Antonio Candreva’s cross past Samir Handanovic in Inter’s goal on 81 minutes.

It was a case of déjà-vu as it was also Klose’s goal which earned three points in Lazio’s home fixture between the sides last season.

Victory brought to an end a week of managerial turmoil but new coach Reja was rewarded with a fine showing from a Lazio side that had only won one of their last eight league matches.

Chances were few and far between in a cagey but feisty opening 45 minutes of football. The first shot at goal came on 10 minutes when Juan Jesus’ fired his shot well over the Lazio crossbar.

The best opportunity of the half fell to Lazio’s Senad Lulic however, as a mix-up between Andrea Ranocchia and Jonathan allowed the Bosnian in on goal but his lobbed shot went wide.

Klose’s first real opportunity came on the half-hour mark when he forced a save from Samir Handavoic after rising highest to met Candreva’s corner.

Yuto Nagatomo went close for Inter in the second-half when he met Jonathan’s cross on 60 minutes but Berisha did well to parry the ball before collecting.

Inter introduced Argentine forward Diego Milito, who hadn’t featured since October, but still Walter Mazzarri’s side failed to carve open the hosts.

But with just nine minutes to play, Klose finally broke the deadlock when he ran to the near post to meet Candreva’s deadly cross and his volley was hit high into the back of the net.

Inter huffed and puffed but failed to create any chances of note and Lazio hung on to wrap up the three points, much to the delight of Reja.