Roma Take Derby Glory as Lazio Downed in Battle of Olimpico

Title chasing Roma took a vital step toward the Scudetto by beating arch-rivals Lazio in a fiercely contested local derby.

An early Tommaso Rocchi strike put the home side ahead but a Mirko Vucinic brace after the break sealed the points for the Giallarossi.

Lazio dominated the early proceedings and their early lead was no more than they deserved. Ledesma played a lofted through ball which caught Burdisso and Juan flat footed and the Lazio skipper made no mistake, calmly slotting past an advancing Julio Sergio.

The half time break could not have come sooner for Claudio Ranieri and he rung the changes for the second half. Roma favourites Francesco Totti and Danielle De Rossi, both booked in the first half, were withdrawn and Rodrigo Taddei and Jeremy Menez were brought on.

A brave move from Ranieri who must have known that nothing short of a win would have brought a barrage of criticism down on him. 

The second half could not have got off to a worse start for Ranieri as Lazio were awarded a penalty a minute after the restart. Cassetti brought down Kalarov but Floccari struck a tame penalty for Julio Sergio to save with his legs.

The Giallarossi were sparked into life by the reprieve and a few minutes later it was Roma who were awarded the penalty after substitute Taddei was hacked down by Kalarov.

Vucinic stepped up and dispatched the spot kick in clinical fashion. And the Roma hit-man was on target again on 63 minutes after a free kick was awarded on the edge of the Lazio area.

The free kick was struck with ferocity but it was straight and many will look at the Lazio wall which failed to hold firm leaving Lazio keeper Muslera exposed. 

A gripping 20 minutes saw Ledesma talk himself into a foolish red card, Menez was a constant thorn in the side of the Lazio back line and Perrotta played a Captains second half to lead the Romans home.

David Pizzaro was again a dominant force in midfield with Juan and Burdisso once again showing why Philip Mexes is on the bench. 

Inter threw down the gauntlet after their hard fought victory over Juve on Friday night but Roma responded like champions. Ranieri must take huge credit. He has instilled a spirit and discipline which can match that of Inter's.

He has shown bravery in making crucial changes and this victory, more than any other may well see the Scudetto arrive at the Olimpico for the first time in 10 years.

Ranieri has been known for too long as the "nearly man." He's nearly there, and this time he may well get there.