Lazio Win Bragging Rights After Action-Packed Win Against AS Roma, 4-2

In spite of the disaster that shook the whole nation just a few days ago, the Stadio Olimpico in Roma was filled to the brim with excited supporters who had come to watch the 132nd Derby della Capitale—and what a game they were in for as SS Lazio defeated AS Roma, 4-2.

Expectations were high for obvious reasons as the teams walked out on the field for the afternoon’s highly anticipated clash.

Roma icon Francesco Totti declared late yesterday that he would be able to play in the crucial game and was handed a starting shirt by coach Luciano Spalletti.

Last week Roma put an end to their winless streak after a brace from captain Totti, whereas Lazio went on to collect their third consecutive defeat. Then again, form matters little in games like these—as Lazio would come to prove.

First Half

Second minute

Despite the boost of having their captain back, it was Lazio that showcased the brilliance and flair that is normally brought onto the field by Er Pupone.

The “home” team started the game in the best possible way when Macedonian ace Goran Pandev sent Lazio into the lead with a stunning volley on a Brocchi cross only two minutes into the game.

So much for the pre-arranged five minutes of total silence from the crowd.

Fourth minute

Just two minutes later Mauro Zarate cut in from the left flank, passed his marker and unleashed another stunner to double Lazio’s lead—an absolute dream start for the Biancocelesti, who had come into the game with three straight defeats on their backs.

10th minute

Roma were slowly showing signs of life and after getting over the initial surprise over Lazio’s shock start, they managed to put one back through Philippe Mexés.

Julio Baptista headed down a corner which then found its way to the centre back who then hit home from the six-yard box.

The derby was quickly turning into a classic with a whopping 2-1 after mere ten minutes of play.

17th minute

Roma was growing in confidence after Mexés’ goal and continued to attack as they closed down the flanks.

The home defense looked frail at times and Baptista came close to cancelling out Lazio’s lead with his powerful strike in the 17th minute, but young Muslera pulled off a cool save to keep the Biancocelesti in the lead.

36th minute

The two teams were playing on possession after the intensive start but Roma wanted more. In the 36th minute, the ball was played into the box but Baptista diving header was denied by the post. Daniele De Rossi was quick on the rebound but had already been flagged for offside.

40th minute

With the clock ticking closer the half time break Lazio was holding on for dear life as Roma continued to push forward in their search for an equalizer. Sebastiano Siviglia even came close to scoring an own goal in his attempt to stop a Totti volley from going in.

45th minute

The home team had the last chance of the first half through Zarate, but the Argentinian’s long-range effort whisked past Doni’s left post.  

Second Half

46th minute

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti was shown the red card prior to the restart due to some form of squabbling in the player's tunnel and was sent up to watch the second half from the stands.

56th minute

It took some time for the second half to get underway—in terms of action that is. Ten minutes into the second half, Lazio started to show off some of the pure will that had landed them their dream start.

Matuzalem fed Pandev just outside the area as Lazio went on a lightning-fast counter, but the forward was denied his brace by a wonderful save from Doni in the Roma goal.

58th minute

Just two minutes after his wonder save, Doni had to watch as Stephen Lichtsteiner headed the ball into the net and added a third to re-instate Lazio’s two-goal lead—the fullback’s first in the Lazio shirt.

63rd minute

Roma was simply refusing to give in, despite Lazio’s 3-1 lead which also meant that frustration was starting to show its ugly face. Lichtsteiner and Panucci shared some harsh words as the latter just seconds before the incident had taken down Pandev. 

Referee Morganto wouldn’t have any of it and booked both players. Since Panucci already had a booking from the first half he received his marching orders—leaving Roma one man down.

65th minute

Both sides made substitutions as Mauro Zarate made way for Tommaso Rocchi to tumultuous applause from the Lazio supporters and Matteo Brighi stepped aside for Max Tonetto as Roma sought out to add number to the weakened defense due to Panucci’s dismissal.

75th minute

Things were quickly starting to get out of hands as another squabble broke out between Philippe Mexés and Matuzalem. Referee Morganti didn’t know what to do except to show both players straight red cards.

80th minute

Despite being down to an unbelievable nine men, Daniele De Rossi managed to give Roma new hopes of sparing the blushes as he headed Davide Pizarro’s free-kick while staying completely still past Muslera to make it 3-2.

86th minute

Roma’s joy was to be very short-lived as Alexandar Kolarov found the net only six minutes later after going on a solo-run. Kolarov skipped past three Roma players before he restored Lazio’s two goal lead for the third time in the game. The Curva Sud was celebrating like crazy at the smell of victory.

After Kolarov’s goal Roma had finally had enough and let Lazio pass the ball around until Morganti blew the whistle to end another memorable Derby della Capitale.

SS Lazio – AS Roma 4-2

1-0  Pandev (2), 2-0 Zarate (4), 2-1 Mexés (10), 3-1 Lichtsteiner (58), 3-2 De Rossi (80), 4-2 Kolarov (86)

Red cards: Luciano Spalletti 46 (Roma), Christian Panucci 63 (Roma), Philippe Mexés 75 (Roma), Matuzalem 75 (Lazio)