Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni expressed deep disappointment following their Europa League quarter-final elimination by Bodo/Glimt in a penalty shootout. Despite a valiant effort to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit, Lazio fell short in a dramatic encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Lazio nearly accomplishing the impossible. Taty Castellanos opened the scoring, but a last-minute equalizer from Tijjani Noslin forced extra time. Boulaye Dia’s header seemed to have sealed Lazio’s comeback, only for Andreas Helmersen to level the aggregate score, leading to the fateful penalty shootout.

Zaccagni reflected on the team’s performance: “We’re devastated. We gave everything, did all we needed to do. Perhaps we could have been more attentive on their late goal, but penalties are always unpredictable. It’s incredibly disappointing.”

The Italian winger praised his team’s effort and the support from the fans: “As captain, I’ve never been more proud of this team. We left everything on the field. The fans were instrumental in pushing us forward.”

Lazio’s Europa League journey, which started promisingly with them topping their group, has come to a bitter end. The team now shifts its focus to Serie A, where they aim to finish the season strongly.

Zaccagni concluded, “The regret is that we were almost perfect. We maintained high intensity for 120 minutes, fought for every ball, just as the coach asked of us. Now we must channel our energy into the league campaign.”