Reliving Lazio’s Historic Moments: This Week In Lazio History July 13-19

FolioPitch.com – 19 July 2026 | The week of July 13-19 holds a variety of memorable events for Lazio, from crushing defeats in early title deciders to pre-season friendlies and the Intertoto Cup. This Week In Lazio History July 13-19 encapsulates the club’s highs and lows, as well as the legacy of Brazilian oriundi who left an indelible mark.

On July 15, 1923, Lazio faced Genoa in the first leg of the national final at Stadio Marassi. Genoa, a powerhouse at the time, crushed Lazio 4-1, and the result was decisive even without questionable refereeing. This match remains a significant lesson in the club’s early Scudetto pursuits.

Fast forward to July 15, 2020, a post-Covid fixture against Udinese at the Dacia Arena ended in a 0-0 draw. The lacklustre performance caused Lazio to look over their shoulders in the race for Champions League qualification, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.

In the Intertoto Cup on July 17, 2005, Lazio comfortably beat Tampere United 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Goals from Belleri, Rocchi, and Di Canio made light work of the Finnish side. Two days later, on July 17, 2007, a pre-season friendly against Bundesliga champions Stuttgart ended 1-1 in Kapfenberg, with Lazio showing positive signs despite lower fitness levels.

A notable pre-season match occurred on July 18, 2003, at the Stadio Flaminio, where Lazio beat Chelsea 2-0 thanks to goals from Inzaghi and Stankovic. This would be the last major football match played at that historic venue.

In memory, this week marks the anniversary of João Fantoni’s death on July 19, 1982. Fantoni, known in Brazil as Ninão, was part of the “Brasilazio” movement in the early 1930s—South American players of Italian descent who joined Lazio as oriundi. Along with his cousin Octavio and later his brother Leonidio, Fantoni made 113 appearances and scored 39 goals. His story intertwines with the political era, as he even named his son Romano Benito after Mussolini promised to cover hospital costs if he scored in the derby—which he did, despite Lazio losing 3-1. The Brasilazio phenomenon is a unique chapter in Lazio’s history.

Birthdays this week include several former players and a manager. Giorgio Mastropasqua (July 13), defender with 78 appearances; Guglielmo Mecozzi (July 13), midfielder; Samir Handanovic (July 14), who made one appearance for Lazio; Bruno Nicolini (July 14), goalkeeper; Marco Di Vaio (July 15), forward with 6 goals; Marius Stankevičius (July 15); Jaap Stam and Claudio Lopez (both July 17); and Alexander Popovic (July 18), an Austrian manager from 1941-43.

This Week In Lazio History July 13-19 reminds fans of the club’s rich tapestry, from early heartbreaks to international friendlies and the unforgettable Brazilian era. This Week In Lazio History July 13-19 is a mix of nostalgia and lessons that continue to shape the Biancocelesti identity.