On January 6, 2025, the Stadio Olimpico was the electric setting for the intense Derby della Capitale, where AS Roma triumphed over arch-rivals Lazio with a decisive 2-0 victory. The match not only showcased the fierce rivalry between the two clubs but also had significant ramifications for their current standings in Serie A.
Before the match began, both teams were under significant pressure—AS Roma, managed by Claudio Ranieri, was caught up mid-table, desperate for victories to boost their hopes of European football. Meanwhile, Lazio, led by Marco Baroni, was firmly entrenched in the race for the Scudetto, hungry to reclaim the glory they last tasted over two decades ago. With both teams vying for points, the stakes were sky-high.
Roma wasted no time asserting dominance. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from just outside the area after receiving a perfect assist from Alexis Saelemaekers. His precise execution put the Giallorossi up 1-0 just ten minutes after kickoff, igniting celebrations among the home crowd. Pellegrini, who had struggled to win over fans due to recent poor performances, finally showcased his talents, signaling potential redemption from earlier criticisms.
Only eight minutes later, Roma doubled their lead, as Saelemaekers himself found the back of the net. Following some quick movements up the pitch, Mile Svilar's long pass set the stage for Artem Dovbyk, who found Dybala before distributing it back to Saelemaekers. With little space to work with, Saelemaekers managed to drill his shot past Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, squeezing the ball inside the far post. The rapid succession of goals stunned the visiting Lazio fans, who had harbored hopes for their squad's performance after recent improvement.
While Roma remained aggressive and high-tempo throughout the first half, Lazio struggled to respond effectively. Missing key players like Pedro and Matias Vecino, Lazio failed to convert several opportunities and found it increasingly difficult to break down Roma's resolute defense. Their frustrations were palpable as the second half unfolded, with little chance to score and reclaim hope.
A standout figure on the pitch, Paulo Dybala, not only assisted but also played the provocateur off the field. Shortly after the final whistle, he engaged in a heated exchange with Lazio supporters. "I have five Scudetti, you have none," he taunted before disappearing down the tunnel. Dybala's audacious proclamation reaffirmed his status as one of the team’s driving forces and underscored the competitive animosity between the teams.
After the match, coach Claudio Ranieri expressed his satisfaction but stressed the need for consistency moving forward. "We must build on this momentum; it was important to show we can compete at this level," he noted. The strategy appeared successful, as both Pellegrini and Saelemaekers delivered performances worth celebrating.
On the other hand, Lazio's Baroni had to address the lackluster performance of midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who struggled against Roma, losing possession frequently before being replaced at halftime. Despite the disappointment, Baroni defended his young player, stating, "Dele is still learning the position. He didn't execute today, but this was not solely on him.” His comments highlighted the need for patience with Dele-Bashiru's development amid growing expectations surrounding Lazio's title aspirations.
With Roma's victory, the Giallorossi climbed to 10th position, amassing 23 points, signaling signs of life after their managerial upheavals earlier this season. Meanwhile, Lazio remained just outside the Champions League spots, still holding onto fourth with 35 points, but this defeat has raised serious concerns about the team's consistency.
The match underscored the complex dynamics of these fierce rivals, encapsulating the passionate rivalry of the Derby della Capitale. With both teams moving forward, the outcome of this encounter may very well dictate their trajectories as the Serie A season progresses. Could this victory serve as the turning point for Roma? Only time will tell, but for now, Roma's fans will bask in the glory of this significant triumph over Lazio.