BERGAMO, Italy – April 22, 2026 – In a dramatic Coppa Italia semifinal second leg, Lazio goalkeeper Edoardo Motta emerged as the hero, saving four penalty kicks to secure a 2-1 shootout victory over Atalanta after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. The win sent Lazio through to the final with a 3-3 aggregate score, setting up a showdown for Italy’s prestigious domestic cup.
The match, played at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, began with both sides cautious after a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Rome earlier in March. Atalanta thought they had taken the lead shortly after the hour mark when Ederson converted a rebound from a goalmouth scramble. However, the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review for a foul on Motta in the build-up, prompting loud boos from the home crowd.
Lazio broke the deadlock in the 84th minute when defender Alessio Romagnoli pounced on a loose ball to fire home from close range against a static Atalanta defence. The lead lasted just two minutes as Mario Pasalic responded swiftly for Atalanta, drilling a low, deflected strike from outside the box into the far corner to create it 1-1.
As stoppage time unfolded, Motta produced another key moment, tipping Gianluca Scamacca’s powerful header onto the far post before the ball bounced clear. With neither side able to find a winner, the match proceeded into extra time. Giacomo Raspadori had a late Atalanta effort disallowed for offside, leaving the score deadlocked and forcing a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Motta saved all but one of Atalanta’s five attempts. Kenneth Taylor and Gustav Isaksen converted Lazio’s penalties to seal the 2-1 victory. Motta’s performance – stopping four consecutive spot-kicks – marked one of the most remarkable individual displays in recent Coppa Italia history.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper, who has risen through Lazio’s youth ranks, has now become a central figure in the team’s push for silverware. His composure under pressure in Bergamo drew widespread praise, with teammates and coaches highlighting his focus and preparation.
Lazio advances to the Coppa Italia final, where they will await the winner of the other semifinal between Fiorentina and Juventus. The final is scheduled for later this spring, though the exact date and venue have not yet been confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
For now, Motta’s name will be remembered not just for the saves he made, but for the calm he brought to a high-stakes moment – a performance that embodies the resilience and determination Lazio have shown throughout this season’s cup run.
Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the Coppa Italia final and all the latest from Serie A and Italian football.
