Roma claimed bragging rights in Saturday’s ill-tempered Derby della Capitale, beating arch-rivals Lazio 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Gianluca Mancini emerged as Giallorossi’s hero, as his first-half header settled a heated affair in the capital.
After failing to score in four consecutive matches against Lazio during Jose Mourinho’s reign, Roma felt obliged to redeem themselves to the fans. However, Monday’s scoreless draw at bottom-half Lecce wasn’t an ideal warm-up.
Daniele De Rossi’s side started the game on the front foot but had to wait until the 42nd minute to break the deadlock. Paulo Dybala whipped in a delightful cross from the corner kick, with Mancini getting on the end of it to give Roma a crucial lead.
Though goalscoring chances were at a premium in the second half, Roma nearly doubled their lead when Stephan El Shaarawy hit the near post after Romelu Lukaku played him in space. Both sides spent the remainder of the game fighting and arguing, which played into Giallorossi’s hands.
In addition to halting a four-game winless run in this fixture, Roma have temporarily reduced the gap on fourth-placed Bologna as we look at our player ratings.
Roma (4-3-3)
Mile Svilar – 6.5
With Lazio producing just one shot on target, the Serbian goalkeeper enjoyed a dream Derby della Capitale debut in Serie A.
Zeki Celik – 6.5
The Turk’s impressive defensive effort compensated for his underwhelming attacking display.
Gianluca Mancini – 7.5
Apart from scoring the match-winning strike, the Roma stalwart had a field day against Ciro Immobile, although he could’ve avoided a bookable offense.
Diego Llorente – 7
Reinstated in the starting XI, the Spaniard delivered a superb defensive showing alongside Mancini, forging a wall in front of Svilar’s door.
Angelino – 7.5
Angelino’s undoubtedly best performance since joining Roma on loan this winter! Equally outstanding on both ends of the pitch.
Bryan Cristante – 6.5
The Italian’s downturn in form in the second half of the season continues as he barely influenced the game despite his tremendous work ratio.
Leandro Paredes – 7
Not afraid to get his hands dirty as ever, the Argentine provided an additional layer of cover to his backline while keeping his passes clean and precise.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 7.5
Though he failed to get his name on the board, the resurgent playmaker pulled all the strings in the midfield with his impeccable passing skills and superb vision.
Paulo Dybala – 7
It was a relatively quiet game for the diminutive forward’s high standards. But his assist for Mancini was a game-defining moment.
Romelu Lukaku – 6
The robust striker never had a clear sight of goal and was mostly cut off from the rest of the pack, but he almost recorded an assist in the second half.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6.5
He must have been disappointed to see his left-footed shot rattle off the post, considering it would’ve been a fitting reward for his decent performance.
Substitutes
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6.5
Tammy Abraham – 6
Chris Smalling – 6
Edoardo Bove – N/A
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