Kenneth Taylor schiet Lazio naar finale na dramatische penaltyslag

2026-04-23 sport

Bergamo, donderdag, 23 april 2026.
Lazio staat in de finale van de Coppa Italia na een historische zege uit bij Atalanta. De ploeg won pas voor het eerst ooit een knock-outronde uit tegen Atalanta. Na 1-1 in reguliere tijd en extra tijd volgde een penaltyreeks. Doelman Edoardo Motta redde vijf straffen achter elkaar. Dat bracht chaos in de rij van Atalanta-schutters. Midfielder Kenneth Taylor benutte koudbloedig zijn penalty. Die tref zorgde voor de beslissing. Lazio neemt het op 13 mei aan thuisbasis Stadio Olimpico op tegen Inter Milaan. Het is de elfde keer dat de Romeinen de finale halen.

Taylor’s cool head seals Lazio’s final spot

Kenneth Taylor converted his penalty with composure during the shootout, securing Lazio’s passage to the Coppa Italia final. His successful strike came after a tense 1-1 draw against Atalanta, followed by 30 minutes of extra time. The Dutch midfielder remained unfazed despite the pressure, contributing to Lazio’s first-ever away knockout victory over Atalanta in this competition [2]. The moment marked a personal milestone for Taylor in his debut Coppa Italia campaign with the Roman club [3].

Motta’s heroics define historic shootout

Goalkeeper Edoardo Motta became the central figure in Lazio’s advancement, saving five penalties consecutively during the shootout [3]. His four consecutive stops during the active rounds shattered Atalanta’s rhythm and morale [2]. Signed in January as backup following Ivan Provedel’s injury, Motta seized his opportunity brilliantly [3]. The 21-year-old’s performance turned what was already a tight contest into a historic collapse for Atalanta’s shooters [4].

Road to the final shaped by resilience

Lazio reached the final after overcoming repeated setbacks across both legs against Atalanta. They led on three separate occasions, only to see Atalanta respond quickly each time [3]. After drawing 3-3 on aggregate, the tie headed to extra time and eventually penalties [2]. Despite missing one penalty themselves—Danilo Cataldi struck the post—Lazio held firm thanks to Motta’s dominance [4]. Their perseverance sets up a clash with Inter Milan on May 13.

Final showdown looms at Stadio Olimpico

The Coppa Italia final takes place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 21:00 CET at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome [5]. While officially a neutral venue, it serves as Lazio’s home ground, giving them a potential psychological edge [3]. Inter Milan advanced by defeating Como in their semi-final [4]. Both teams aim for silverware late in the season, with Inter seeking their 10th Coppa Italia title and Lazio aiming for their eighth [3][5].

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Kenneth Taylor Coppa Italia