Five key stats from week 9 in Serie A - Featuring how Balotelli struggled away at Parma

4. Klose the difference maker for Lazio

A substandard first half against Cagliari on Sunday left the Lazio in danger of failing to win for the sixth time in as many matches across all competitions, but the experienced German’s introduction at the break changed the complexion of the encounter in a move that may have well saved boss Vladimir Petkovic his job.

Klose needed just seven minutes on the pitch to net one of his trademark headers, moments later winning an insurance penalty for his side with his veteran guile.

Despite playing for only half of the match, the 35-year-old racked up the third-highest Performance Score of the evening with 38, netting on one of his two shots, and succeeding in 100% of his headed duels and take ons.

The Biancocelesti will be hopeful that Klose has finally overcome the niggling injuries that have limited him to 400 minutes of action thus far in the term, given the convincing evidence of how important he is to the side’s success.