Lazio’s Historic Week: From Relegation to Alpine Glory

FolioPitch.com – 29 June 2026 | This Week In Lazio History June 22-28 is a remarkable period that encapsulates the club’s resilience and pride. From playoff draws to cup triumphs, these seven days showcase the Biancocelesti’s enduring spirit. We dive into the key events that defined Lazio between June 22 and June 28 across multiple decades.

On June 23, 1929, Lazio faced Napoli in a National Division playoff for a spot in the first-ever single Serie A. The match ended 2-2 at San Siro, forcing a rematch that would ultimately see Lazio miss out. Just a year earlier, on June 24, 1923, the Biancocelesti drew 3-3 with Savoia in the Southern Division Final first leg at Campo Oncino, keeping their hopes of a national final alive. These early struggles highlight the foundation upon which future successes were built.

June 26, 1932, saw Lazio claim their first ever Coppa Fornari, a cup competition between Rome’s two major clubs. At Campo Testaccio, Lazio defeated Roma 3-0 thanks to a brace from Fantoni I and a goal from Malatesta. This victory remains a proud moment in the club’s early history. The following year, on June 27, 1937, Lazio triumphed 3-2 over Hungaria in the Central European Cup Round of 16, going 3-0 up before holding off a late comeback.

Fast forward to June 27, 2020, and Lazio beat Fiorentina 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico, with Luis Alberto scoring eight minutes from time to keep their Scudetto hopes alive. But the highlight of This Week In Lazio History June 22-28 is undoubtedly the Cup of the Alps final on June 25, 1971.

That year, Lazio had finished 15th in Serie A and were relegated. The club was in turmoil, with President Umberto Lenzini and manager Juan Carlos Lorenzo at odds. Despite this, Lazio participated in the Cup of the Alps, a competition between Italian and Swiss sides. The team, coached by Bob Lovati after Lorenzo’s departure, reached the final against Basel, the two-time reigning champions. Basel were a strong side with players like Karl Odermatt and Walter Balmer, and had reached the European Cup last 16.

At St. Jakob Stadium in Basel, Lazio took an early lead through Pierpaolo Manservisi, but Basel equalized before halftime. In the second half, Giorgio Chinaglia scored twice to secure a 3-1 victory. The win was celebrated heavily in Rome and provided a glimmer of hope for the upcoming season in Serie B. It also marked the start of a golden era under new manager Tommaso Maestrelli, who would lead Lazio to the Scudetto in 1974. This Week In Lazio History June 22-28 thus symbolizes a turning point—from relegation to Alpine glory.

In memory, we honor Renato Ziaco, the legendary doctor of the 1973-74 scudetto-winning team. Born on February 20, 1927, Ziaco served Lazio for 25 years, acting as a physician, psychologist, and even a temporary manager. He was instrumental in keeping players fit and motivated, and was the first to notice Maestrelli’s illness and to try to save Luciano Re Cecconi. Ziaco passed away on June 25, 1985, from cancer, leaving an indelible mark on the club. His contributions remind us that This Week In Lazio History June 22-28 is not just about matches, but about the people who made them possible.

Finally, several Lazio greats celebrate birthdays this week. Alessandro Varini (born June 24, 1900) made 66 appearances for the club. John Hansen (born same day in 1924) scored 15 goals in 27 games. Pedro Rizzetti (born June 25, 1907) was a midfielder from Brazil. Pierluigi Pagni (born June 26, 1939) made 185 appearances. Pietro Adorni, Vincenzo Gasperi, and Piero Cucchi also share birthdays between June 27 and 28. Each contributed to Lazio’s rich tapestry.

In conclusion, This Week In Lazio History June 22-28 reflects a rollercoaster of emotions—from playoff heartbreaks to cup triumphs, from relegation to redemption. It reminds us that Lazio’s identity is forged in perseverance and passion. As we look back, these moments inspire fans to believe that even in the darkest times, glory can emerge.