Antonio Candreva came off the bench to score from the penalty spot as Lazio held Palermo to a 1-1 draw in their Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico this afternoon.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had an early chance to give the hosts the lead in the second minute, but his low drive towards the bottom corner was turned behind by Stefano Sorrentino.
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However, Palermo soon began to create openings and they took the lead in the 21st minute when Achraf Lazaar's strike broke kindly on the edge of the box for Edoardo Goldaniga, who turned and drilled an effort into the bottom corner.
Lazio pushed forward in search of a quick response and by Lucas Biglia wasted a promising opportunity when he fired high over the bar from the edge of the box.
Filip Djordjevic then saw a header saved and Felipe Anderson had a shot blocked at the back post as Lazio finished the half a goal down.
After the break, Franco Vazquez threatened to give his side a two-goal lead, but Federico Marchetti was equal to his fierce drive.
Palermo continued to cause Lazio problems, but the hosts were given a chance to equalise when Senad Lulic was brought down inside the box by Oscar Hiljemark and a penalty was awarded.
Substitute Candreva elected to take the spot kick and he calmly slotted in to drag his side back on level terms.
Lazio pressed for a winner and in stoppage time Ricardo Kishna almost grabbed the points for his side when he was picked out unmarked at the back post, but he could only head wide as the game finished all square.
Alex Meyers
