August 10 2013

Julian Speroni

Crystal Palace went down to a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Italian side Lazio.

Boss Ian Holloway ran the rule over virtually two sides in Palace's final friendly behind the Premier League curtain raiser against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Serie A club went in front with their first major foray on goal in the 12th minute. Antonio Candreva took a shot from 25 yards, and as home keeper Julian Speroni failed to deal with an awkward bounce, Miroslav Klose reacted quickly to slam home.

New boy Jerome Thomas had to go off injured after just 22 minutes, while Dean Moxey hacked an effort from Senad Lulic off the line.

Speroni blocked Lucas Biglia's effort, then Dwight Gayle and Kevin Phillips could have pulled a goal back with good chances.

The Italian Eagles almost snatched a second goal but Ederson's header from a Antonio Candreva corner kick sailed just wide.

Palace: Speroni, Ward (Dikgacoi 46), Gabbidon (Ramage 46), Delaney (Boateng 77), Moxey (Jerome Williams 74), Jedinak (Wynter 69), Garvan (O'Keefe 46), Jonny Williams (Bolasie 46), Dobbie (Grandin 46), Thomas (de Silva 22, Gayle 46), Wilbraham (Phillips 46). Subs not used: Fitzsimons.