Lazio 2023/24: The struggles of a stubborn set play routine – set-piece analysis

Lazio are coming off the back of a last-minute equaliser scored by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel in the UEFA Champions League group stage opener against Atletico Madrid. Although the goal came from a second phase during a corner kick, Lazio have been underwhelming from corners since Maurizio Sarris arrival at Stadio Olimpico. Since the start of the 21/22 season, Lazio have only scored 11 goals from corners, averaging five a year, and a large portion of the blame lies in their stubborn attitude, using the same two routines in each game, at least in recent memory. While the corners have some clear intentions behind them, neither routine is highly effective, and relying on something unreliable leads to unsurprising results.

In this??tactical analysis, we will look into the tactics behind Lazios offensive corners, with an in-depth analysis of how their main two corner routines have been used. This set-piece analysis will examine why these routines have had some bright signs, why it hasnt been effective, and the steps Lazio can take to become more threatening from set plays.

In Swinging Routine

With corners won on the left-hand side, Lazios only routine they have utilised has involved the crowding of the six-yard box. As seen in the picture below, two attackers start by the front post; two are located just behind the goalkeeper, while the other two start by the back post. Two players are left on the edge of the box, whilst one player sits deeper, near the halfway line.

From this starting position, we can see each players runs pictured below. The two attackers at the front post make decoy runs towards the ball in order to drag their markers away from the front post, which is the primary target. The two attackers start by the goalkeeper and make curved runs into the space vacated at the front post. The run starting from behind the defenders shoulder means that the Lazio attackers are able to move without being spotted over their first steps, so they can accelerate into the space without the defenders being able to stay tight to the runners.

From the alternate angle, the sp