Lazio: The fantastic penalty shoot

Thomas Siniecki, Media365: published on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:50 pm

We remember Matvey Safonov being unbeatable in the Intercontinental Cup, and Edoardo Motta delivered a similar spectacle, sending his team to the final of the Italian Cup against Inter.

He has nothing to do with Thiago, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder who coached Bologna and Juventus last season. Edoardo Motta, 21 years old, has been the starting goalkeeper for almost two months due to the injury of regular starter Ivan Provedel. Motta had his moment of glory on Wednesday night in Bergamo. After a 1-1 draw in extra time, in the semi-final return leg of the Cup (2-2 in the first leg), he made four consecutive saves after Atalanta’s first successful attempt! Just like Matvey Safonov did in December, in the Intercontinental Cup final for PSG against Flamengo (1-1 a.e.t., pen: 2-1). And just like the European champions in Qatar, Lazio only won the shootout 2-1 after this crazy scenario.

“I dedicate these tears to the fans, to all those who know me…”

Two to his right and two to his left, each time saving real shots (see video below)… Edoardo Motta cried tears of joy (quotes relayed by La Gazzetta dello Sport): “I am very moved, it had never happened to me before. I dedicate these tears to everyone, to the fans, to all those who know me… Thank you.” Signed by Juventus, the Italian U21 international arrived from Reggiana at the end of January for one million euros. He joins Adrian Semper, the only one before him to also save four penalties in the Italian Cup (with Pise).

In the Bologna match at the end of March (0-2), he had already stopped Riccardo Orsolini’s penalty at the beginning of the second half when the score was still 0-0. “It’s extraordinary, he has saved five out of six in his career,” even his coach Maurizio Sarri reveals. And if Sarri immediately demands an improvement in his footwork, it’s because he can see Motta potentially continuing in this starting role.