MILAN (AP) — Lazio were held at relegation-threatened Hellas Verona 1-1 on Monday to hamper their hopes of cementing their place in Serie A’s top four in a tight race for Champions League spots. .
Cyril Ngonge scored his first goal for Verona in his first start after joining last month, to cancel out Pedro’s opener.
Lazio edged past Atalanta and AC Milan, who both lost at the weekend. It was one point behind Roma and four behind second-placed Inter Milan.
Verona moved within four points of safety. Sampdoria were five points adrift and looking to end a five-game losing streak when they played at Monza late.
Lazio hoped to take third place in Serie A.
He unblocked the impasse in an astonishing way at halftime. Pedro played a one-two with Danilo Cataldi, gathered with his back to goal and pivoted to curl a magnificent shot into the top left corner.
Verona equalized six minutes after the break when Darko Lazović fired a free kick for Ngonge to head for the near post.
After setting up the equaliser, Lazović nearly turned the tide two minutes later but his ferocious effort went wide off the right post.
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