Davide Frattesi scores again as Lazio beat Udinese to maintain perfect Serie A start

Davide Frattesi continued his outstanding run of form by scoring as Lazio came from behind to beat Udinese 2-1 in the third round of Serie A.

Jesper Karlstrom gave Udinese the lead early in the second half, but Frattesi levelled for Lazio before Albert Gudmundsson struck an 88th-minute winner. The result keeps Lazio’s perfect record intact and lifts them to nine points from their opening three matches.

Karlstrom opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a low finish from inside the penalty area. Udinese had been unable to hold on to their advantage, however, as Frattesi restored parity for the home side with a powerful effort in the 75th minute.

The equaliser came after Mattia Zaccagni delivered a low cross into the area, allowing Frattesi to meet it and fire past the Udinese defence.

Lazio completed the turnaround two minutes before the end of normal time. Gudmundsson produced a well-placed header from Danilo Deki’s cross to secure all three points for the Eagles.

Frattesi, who is 26, has scored in every Serie A match he has played for Lazio since joining the club from Inter during the most recent summer transfer window. His move was initially arranged as a loan with an option to buy, although that clause will become compulsory if certain conditions are met.

The Italy midfielder now has three league goals and is third in the Serie A scoring standings.

His latest strike also saw him match a notable Lazio record. Frattesi has become only the second player in the club’s history to score in each of the first three league matches of a season since Serie A began awarding three points for a win. The previous player to achieve the feat was Mauro Zarate, who did so during the 2008-09 campaign.

The victory leaves Lazio third in the table with a maximum nine points. Udinese, meanwhile, remain on four points and occupy 10th place.

Frattesi’s influence has been central to Lazio’s strong start, with his goals helping the side recover from a difficult position against Udinese and preserve their 100% record after three rounds of the Italian top flight.