Roma-Lazio 2-0: goals from Pellegrini and Saelemaekers

Roma makes the derby its own. In eight minutes Ranieri’s team unleashes a tremendous one-two and already in the 18th minute Lazio finds itself two goals down. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Saelemaekers put their signature on the turning point of the match which would later prove decisive for the result. Baroni’s team will never be able to get back up again, a faded copy of the superb performance the other week against Atalanta. For their part, Roma showed off a performance with a lot of personality and attention. So the 15 points gap in the standings with which the derby began is not seen on the pitch at the Olimpico with the Giallorossi’s performance enhanced by an extremely important victory.

ONE-TWO YELLOWRED

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Ranieri relaunches Lorenzo Pellegrini from the first minute, so Pisilli starts from the bench. Baroni prefers Isaksen to Tchaouna. Lazzari and Noslin recovered on the bench, where Pedro is also inserted at the last minute, more as a “symbolic” presence given that the Spaniard is not yet at his best. The first attempt on goal belongs to Roma: in the 3rd minute Konè’s right-footed shot is deflected for a corner by Provedel. Lazio responds: Marusic tries high on Isaksen’s rebounded shot. In the 10th minute Roma took the lead: Pellegrini, served by Saelemaekers, with a spectacular parable gave Provedel no chance. Lazio starts again. In the 16th minute, Isaksen makes an incursion: he saves Svilar. But in the 18th minute Roma didn’t miss the opportunity to double their lead. Quick restart led by Dybala who passes to the right for Saelemaekers: first attempt rejected by the Lazio goalkeeper, but the Belgian is ready to strike again to score the 2-0. Baroni’s team frozen by the Giallorossi one-two. The Biancocelesti focus on ball possession. Ranieri’s team was compact and cautious in the covering phase, but also careful to seize opportunities to push forward. The Biancocelesti pick up the pace, Tavares pushes harder. However, without managing to create dangers in the final zone. At halftime it was 2-0 for Roma.

ROME CONTROLS

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At the start of the second half Baroni immediately made two changes. Dia and Tchaouna enter for Isaksen and Dele-Bashiru. A shot from Castellanos deflected for a corner by Svilar. Biancocelesti in constant offensive projection. Guendouzi’s shot deflected by Hummels, Svilar saves himself in the corner. Reversal in front: Provedel rejects a conclusion from Pellegrini. In the 14th minute Tchaouna doesn’t arrive with the right coordination: Svilar helped by the crossbar. Lazio looking for a goal to reopen the match. In the 22nd minute, double substitution in Roma: Pellegrini and Saelemaekers come out, Pisilli and El Shaarawy come on. Right hand from Castellanos, Svilar saves. Dybala and Dovbyk are replaced to make room for Baldanzi and Shomurodov. Tavares makes his way, low cross, Dia doesn’t reach the ball. In the 35th minute Lazzari replaces Marusic to bring more momentum to the right flank. Roma controls with clarity. Baroni brings in Noslin for Zaccagni and Luca Pellegrini for Tavares. Five minutes for final injury time. Tension at its peak and a final brawl resulting from a clash between Castellanos and Ndicka: the Lazio player sent off, the Roma player booked. Ranieri’s team knows how to manage the final and celebrates the triumph in the derby.