Miroslav Klose double helps Lazio up to third with Cagliari win

Two goals from Miroslav Klose helped Lazio climb to third in the Serie A standings on Monday evening with a 4-2 win over Cagliari.

The German World Cup winner struck twice in two first-half minutes to see off the Sardinians, who managed to pull one goal back thanks to an own goal from Edson Braafheid before Jaoa Pedro gave them hope at 3-1 down, only for Ederson to seal Lazio's win.

Stefano Mauri was also on target for the Biancocelesti, who now trail city rivals Roma, in second, by just three points, while Cagliari ended with 10 men after Victor Ibarbo was sent off with 20 minutes left.

Lazio coach Stefano Pioli was trying to play down talk of his side's Champions League hopes prior to the game, but those questions will only grow after his side's sixth win in 10 games.

Mauri gave them the lead after only seven minutes when Antonio Candreva's corner was knocked into the centre by Biglia and the Lazio captain was on hand to score.

The game was effectively ended by Klose, who scored in the 25th and 26th minutes to give the capital club a commanding lead.

The Germany international first scored from close range from Senad Lulic's touch down before beating Alessio Cragno inside his near post to make it 3-0 for Pioli's men.

Lazio continued to control proceedings with Mauri going close to adding a fourth before the break.

There were chances at both ends before Braafheid turned Andrea Cossu's shot into his own goal to give Cagliari hope early in the second half.

Ibarbo was given his marching orders for protesting to the referee, but Cagliari were still able to reduce the arrears even with 10 men.

Just moments after coming on, Joao Pedro tucked the ball in from Simone Benedetti's knock down.

Lazio's lead was never in any danger, though, and Ederson was able to seal their win with almost the last kick of the game, turning in Candreva's ball to lift Lazio to third.

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