No player has scored more Serie A goals against Spezia than Ciro Immobile, so the visitors’ would have felt their worst nightmares had been realised when the Italy international was lining up an early penalty, after being clumsily fouled by Ethan Ampadu within the opening minute.
However, much to Spezia’s relief and Lazio’s surprise, the forward harmlessly thumped the ball over the bar from 12 yards.
Fortunately for Immobile, the missed spot-kick did not prove to be costly as Lazio surged into a two-goal lead within 24 minutes.
After Manuel Lazzari prevented Jakub Kiwior from giving Spezia the lead with a last-ditch goalline clearance, a passage of individual brilliance resulted in Mattia Zaccagni opening the scoring.
The 27-year-old drove towards the visitors’ box from his own half where he worked a neat one-two with Felipe Anderson before poking the ball into the bottom corner. Zaccagni’s second goal of the season was followed by Alessio Romagnoli's first-ever Lazio strike after the centre back produced a striker’s finish with a gorgeous half-volley from the edge of the box.
Spezia were unable to find a response before HT, and having failed to score in their opening three away games, they knew they faced a near-impossible task to claw their way back into the contest.
Any slim chance of a positive result was subsequently ended by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who guided the ball past Bartłomiej Drągowski just after the hour mark to register his 50th SA goal.
While the three points were already wrapped up, former Spezia goalkeeper Ivan Provedel denied Emmanuel Gyasi to ensure Lazio claimed yet another clean sheet.
There was still time for Milinkovic-Savic to secure his brace with a delicate finish.
Their third straight league win moves the hosts to within three points of the Serie A summit, while Spezia are left to reflect on their fourth consecutive away defeat.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)