Miroslav Klose scored the only goal of the game as Lazio edged past Crystal Palace in a friendly at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

Despite the hosts' bright start it was the Italians who went ahead in the 12th minute when Klose tapped home after Antonio Candreva's long-range shot was palmed away by Julian Speroni.

Lazio almost doubled the lead 15 minutes later but Speroni denied Hernanes before Klose blazed the rebound over the bar.

Speroni was again called upon in the 32nd minute when he stopped Candreva's wonderful effort before Senad Lulic's follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Dean Moxey.

Lazio continued their dominance after the break as Lucas Biglia went one-on-one with Speroni following Klose's pass, but the keeper managed to make a good stop.

Dwight Gayle went close to drawing Palace level twice in the space of four minutes, but he was denied both times by Federico Marchetti, first with his legs before stopping a close-range volley.