1970s
The 1970s began just as the 1960s did, with relegation following the 1970-71 season. However promotion the following year ushered in Lazio's first truly successful period. They took to the field in the 1972-73 season with a team comprising English-born captain Giuseppe Wilson in defence, Luciano Re Cecconi and Mario Frustalupi in midfield, Renzo Garlaschelli and Giorgio Chinaglia up front, and coach Tommaso Maestrelli. With Chinaglia providing the goals and the defence giving little away, Lazio emerged as surprise challengers for the Scudetto to Milan and Juventus in 1972-1973, only losing out on the final day of the season after conceding a late goal at Napoli (whilst Juventus left it late to secure a win at Lazio's bitter rivals Roma). It served as a prelude to a breakthrough for the 1973-74 season, when Lazio would sweep all before them to win their first league title, having led throughout the season.
Unfortunately this was not built upon, as 4th place the following year would be followed by a struggle against relegation in 1975-76 and a mid-table finish in 1977-78 (with a 5th place finish in 1976-77 in between). The tragic deaths of Luciano Re Cecconi and scudetto trainer Tommaso Maestrelli in addition to the departure of Chinaglia would be a triple blow for Lazio. The emergence of Bruno Giordano during this period provided some relief as he finished League top scorer in 1979, when Lazio finished 8th.
Read more about this topic: History Of S.S. Lazio