Lazio Edge Youth Team 3-1 in First Summer Friendly: Artistico and Sana Fernandes Shine

FolioPitch.com – 20 July 2026 | Lazio‘s pre-season campaign kicked off with a notable victory as Gennaro Gattuso‘s first team defeated the club’s U20 side 3-1 in the opening summer friendly at Formello. The match served as an early test for the new head coach, with the scoreline reflecting both the talent gap and the promise of emerging stars. The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the performance of Gabriele Artistico and Sana Fernandes, who combined to secure the win after a slow start. This Lazio 3-1 Lazio U20 Artistico Sana Fernandes Score in First Summer Friendly showcased the squad’s depth and attacking potential.

The first half saw Lazio dominate possession but fail to convert chances. Tijjani Noslin and Peter Ratkov both missed clear opportunities, allowing the Primavera to take a shock lead in the 42nd minute. Valerio Battisti’s long pass found Raul Avram on the right, who bypassed Luca Pellegrini and saw his shot deflect off Oliver Provstgaard past Christos Mandas. The seniors entered the break trailing 1-0, a wake-up call for Gattuso’s men.

After the interval, wholesale changes reshaped the game. Artistico, returning from a successful loan at Spezia, made an immediate impact. He won a penalty after being tripped by Mandas—who had switched teams with Edoardo Motta—and converted to level the score in the 55th minute. The Lazio 3-1 Lazio U20 Artistico Sana Fernandes Score in First Summer Friendly remained level until the 81st minute, when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was fouled in the box. Artistico stepped up again, confidently converting to make it 2-1.

The best moment came in the 89th minute. Sana Fernandes, a promising winger, cut inside from the left and unleashed a right-footed shot that beat substitute goalkeeper Nicolo Pannozzo at his near post, sealing a 3-1 victory. The Lazio 3-1 Lazio U20 Artistico Sana Fernandes Score in First Summer Friendly highlighted Fernandes’ ability to produce moments of magic, a positive sign for Gattuso’s attack.

Gattuso experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the young Adrian Przyborek and Bruno Galassi impressing in midfield. The defense, featuring Romano Floriani Mussolini and Adam Marusic, looked solid after the initial lapse. Meanwhile, the U20 side showed resilience, especially in the first half, with Battisti and Avram standing out.

Lazio’s next test is this Sunday against amateur side Flaminia Civita Castellana at the Mirko Fersini Stadium. For now, the Lazio 3-1 Lazio U20 Artistico Sana Fernandes Score in First Summer Friendly provides a foundation for the pre-season. Artistico’s double and Fernandes’ late strike will boost confidence as the squad builds toward the Serie A campaign. Gattuso will hope for more cohesion, but the result and performance offer plenty of encouragement.