Lazio vs AS Roma Review
AS Roma manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, secured his first Derby della Capitale victory with a solid 1-0 win against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. The 163rd Serie A clash between these intense rivals began in an atmosphere as scorching as the weather in Rome. During the first fifteen minutes, marked by tough tackles and little offensive action, it was former Roma player Pedro who had the initial opportunity, shooting over from the edge of the penalty area before setting up Nuno Tavares, who also missed his chance. Roma found it difficult to create momentum, and after Mile Svilar saved Mattia Zaccagni’s shot, Andrea Romagnoli headed just over the bar from the subsequent corner.
However, it was the Curva Sud that erupted in celebration at the 38th minute as the Giallorossi took the lead against the flow of the game. Devyne Rensch intercepted Tavares in his own penalty area, enabling Matías Soulé to find Lorenzo Pellegrini, who finished with a precise first-time shot into the bottom corner. Gasperini’s team then gained momentum and nearly doubled their lead during first-half stoppage time when Angeliño’s cross was flicked on by Evan Ferguson, but Ivan Provedel reacted swiftly to prevent Rensch from sneaking in at the far post.
After the break, Roma continued their attack towards their passionate fans. Angeliño connected with a cross at the far post, but Provedel tipped his half-volley onto the side netting. Maurizio Sarri’s side then had a great opportunity to equalize 10 minutes into the second half when half-time substitute Danilo Cataldi released Boulaye Dia on a clear run, but the Senegalese forward lost his composure against Svilar.
Lazio’s growing momentum nearly resulted in an equalizer just before the final 15 minutes, when Valentín Castellanos curled a shot wide from inside the box, the ball appeared to have grazed Gianluca Mancini’s boot, but only a goal kick was awarded. This surge from Lazio was severely impacted in the 85th minute when Reda Belahyane, who had come on in the first half, received a straight red card for dragging his studs down Manu Koné’s calf.
Despite this setback, Svilar made a late save from Castellanos, and Cataldi was already celebrating when his curling shot hit the post and crossbar. In the end, Roma held on for their third victory in four encounters against their city rivals, although Matteo Guendouzi was shown a red card after the final whistle for losing his temper and overstepping.
