Lazio are mathematically out of the UEFA Cup after only picking up a 2-2 draw at Egaleo. Tonight’s failure to win means that Middlesbrough, Villarreal and Partizan Belgrade progress from Group E.

After picking up just two points from their opening three games, the Biancocelesti knew they had to win their final match in Greece this evening or face elimination. Boss Caso, who is under intense pressure, shelved his rotation system and fielded his strongest side possible.

The Italians didn’t get off to the greatest start. Goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi was forced to intervene after just five minutes as Skopelitis looked to collect a Fotakis cross from the right. The No 1 could do nothing on nine minutes though as Egaleo took the lead. Seric fell asleep in the area, allowing Chloros to control and shoot with his left foot.

Fernando Couto had to be alert 60 seconds later as Makris threatened which was fortunate given that Lazio equalised almost immediately. Di Canio touched a free-kick to Muzzi, whose low right-footed effort beat the Greek shot-stopper.

The capital giants thought they should have been handed the chance to take the lead soon after. Di Canio was brought down in the penalty area by an opponent, but the referee judged the sliding challenge to be a fair one.

Di Canio was looking dangerous at times and was involved in the next notable attack. His cross from the right missed Muzzi but reached Dabo. Unfortunately the Frenchman, who rarely scores, cleared the crossbar with his effort.

Although Egaleo responded with a Kotakis shot, Lazio went into the break 2-1 up. Di Canio served Muzzi with a delicious assist and the former Udinese striker netted his second of the night.

Di Canio had the first chance of the second period but Kljajevic blocked his effort. That was a crucial save as the Greeks got back into the game on 54 minutes. Agritis sublimely beat Peruzzi with a chip to make it 2-2. Fortunately the ‘keeper was alert minutes later as he denied Makris.

Lazio knew they must push forward and Muzzi came within inches of his hat-trick on 62 minutes. With the scores still level, Caso sent on both Pandev and Inzaghi in an effort to win the game and keep their UEFA Cup ambitions alive.

The Stadio Olimpico boys were struggling to create though. Some good work by Cesar on the left resulted in an accurate cross but Pandev’s header was too weak to trouble the ‘keeper.

It was in fact the home side who were causing problems. Chloros tried his luck from distance, before Barkoglou just failed to put his side in front again following a wicked header from a corner.

Pandev had the last decent effort of the match but with no success. Lazio’s UEFA Cup dreams for this season are over. Now it remains to be seen whether Coach Caso keeps his job…

Egaleo: Kljajevic; Papoutsis, Tsatsos, Psomas, Liapakos; Chloros, Skopelitis (Barkoglou 46), Fotakis (Chatzis 75), Christou; Agritis, Manosakis

Lazio: Peruzzi; Oddo, Oscar Lopez, Fernando Couto, Seric; Manfredini (Inzaghi 65), Dabo, Liverani (Filippini A 72), Cesar; Di Canio (Pandev 66), Muzzi

Ref: Layec (Fra)