Balde stunner helps Lazio to precious win

KEITA CURLED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE NET THREE MINUTES FROM TIME, AND FELIPE ANDERSON ROUNDED OFF THE SCORING

Lazio kept up its push for a Champions League spot after two late goals helped it beat Torino 3-1 in Serie A on Monday.

Keita Balde Diao and Felipe Anderson scored in the final three minutes to send Lazio back to within four points of thirdplaced Napoli and the final qualifying position for Europe’s premier club competition. Torino remained 10th.

It was also meant to be a fight between two of Italy’s most exciting forwards. Torino’s Andrea Belotti tops the goalscoring charts with 22, while Ciro Immobile, the next Italian on the list, increased his tally to 17.

“We are friends,” Immobile said. “Tonight was a battle between Lazio and Torino, not between Andrea and I, and I’m happy Lazio won.

“I have to congratulate the whole team because it wasn’t easy to react in this way after they equalized. It means that the team is mature and I’m happy and proud of that.”

Immobile broke the deadlock for Lazio 11 minutes into the second half when he tapped in Dusan Basta’s deflected cross.

It appeared as if Lazio would have to settle for a point when substitute Maxi Lopez headed in the equalizer in the 72nd minute, shortly after being sent on.

But Keita curled into the right side of the net three minutes from time, and Felipe Anderson rounded off the scoring.