Jose Mourinho never had any ambition to win the first Derby della Capitale of the 2023/24 season as Lazio and Roma shared the spoils in an ill-tempered 0-0 draw. A tepid encounter at the Stadio Olimpico saw Giallorossi do everything in their power to avoid conceding but nothing to get on the scoresheet.
Roma started the game on the front foot, pushing their lines high and forcing numerous turnovers. But after failing to capitalize on that early momentum, Mourinho’s side dropped back. They were happy to soak up the pressure, which could’ve backfired twice before halftime.
Lusi Alberto rattled the post with a thunderous mid-range attempt before Rui Patricio made an outstanding stop to keep Alessio Romagnoli at bay. Little changed after the break, with Roma failing to produce a single shot on target in the second half.
To their credit, Roma prevented Lazio from creating many chances. Referee Davide Massa was busy, showing as many as eight yellow cards, four to either side. In the end, Giallorossi drew a blank in a third consecutive showdown against their arch-rivals.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Roma (3-5-2)
Rui Patricio – 7.5
Pulled off an astonishing save to thwart Romagnoli’s header in the first half, setting the tone for one of his best games this season.
Gianluca Mancini –
Picked up an early booking but refused to calm down as the intensity of the derby got the better of him.
Evan Ndicka –
Caught up in the heat of his maiden appearance in the Derby della Capitale, Mourinho’s defensive stalwart had some sloppy clearance and looked nervous on the ball.
Diego Llorente –
Confidence is oozing out of every pore as the Spaniard continues to reel off impressive performances. Calm and composed whenever called into action.
Leonardo Spinazzola –
It was an atypically quiet night for the attacking-minded full-back, who focused more on his defensive duties than hurting Lazio’s defenders.
Bryan Cristante –
Kept his passing clean and precise, refusing to take unnecessary risks. Though he failed to make his attacking presence felt, everything he did at the back was spot on.
Leandro Paredes –
Set aside his defensive impact, the deep-lying playmaker again failed to help Roma gain a foothold in the midfield, as has been the case in numerous matches this season.
Edoardo Bove – 6
Despite running his socks off today, the youngster did not influence the play, especially when asked to provide a spark in the front third. Mourinho must be proud of his defensive contribution, though.
Rick Karsdrop – 6
Enjoyed a bright start to the game, applying hard press and making it difficult for Lazio to build from the back. Unleashed a devastating half-volley early on but disappeared from attack as the match progressed.
Paulo Dybala – 4
The Argentine traditionally relishes encounters against Lazio, but he wasn’t even his second-best version today. Effortlessly disposed of the ball one too many times and did nothing noteworthy in the front third.
Romelu Lukaku – 3.5
Spent most of the game disconnected from the pack, left alone to fight the entire Lazio backline. Didn’t have a single scoring chance, though it wasn’t entirely his fault.
Substitutes –
Sardar Azmoun – 4
Apart from picking up a yellow for a tactical foul, failed to offer a spark in the later stages.
Renato Sanches – 4.5
Given the little time he had to showcase his skills, it’s hardly a surprise his introduction went unnoticed.
Zeki Celik – N/A
Rasmus Kristensen – N/A
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