Roma secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Lazio on January 5, 2025, marking their first derby win of the season and moving them up from 10th place in the Serie A standings. The match, titled the Derby della Capitale, showcased the intense rivalry between the two Roman clubs and featured tactical plays and spirited performances from key players.
Led by captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who scored the opening goal, the match started brightly for Roma as they aimed to build on their momentum after drawing their last game against AC Milan. Pellegrini, who had been struggling to find his form earlier this season, netted his first goal of the Serie A campaign just ten minutes after kick-off. After receiving a cross from Alexis Saelemaekers, he took control and struck the ball past Lazio's goalkeeper, giving Roma the early advantage.
Just eight minutes later, Pellegrini set up Saelemaekers for Roma's second goal, putting them firmly in control of the match. Saelemaekers, who had been increasingly pivotal for Roma under coach Claudio Ranieri’s leadership, found the back of the net after following up on his own rebound. This quick succession of goals placed immense pressure on Lazio, who struggled to recover throughout the first half.
While Lazio, currently sitting fourth and needing to solidify their position for a chance at the Scudetto, attempted to respond, they found themselves continuously thwarted by Roma's solid defense. Notable save after save from goalkeeper Mile Svilar, along with resilient performances from defenders such as Mats Hummels and Evan N'Dicka, kept Lazio at bay.
Despite having more possession and outshooting Roma 15 to 6, Lazio could not convert any chances, thanks largely to Roma's effective counterattacking strategy led by Pellegrini, Saelemaekers, and Paulo Dybala. This approach exploited the spaces left by Lazio's forward-driving plays, showcasing Roma's strategic depth and tactical efficiency.
The second half saw Lazio ramp up their efforts as they replaced players trying to find gaps in Roma's defensive setup. Just after the break, Junior Messias attempted to spark the comeback with shots on goal. Still, diligent defending from Roma ensured Lazio faced adversity and frustration.
The match's intensity culminated near the end when yellow cards began to fly, resulting from several skirmishes and heated exchanges. The most shocking moment came during injury time when Lazio’s Valentín Castellanos received a controversial red card following altercations with several Roma players. This incident not only highlighted the fierce competition but also underscored the lack of composure from the Lazio side as they failed to channel their frustration positively.
After the match, Ranieri took pride in his team's performance, stating, "The derby gives energy to the team, so nothing special is needed from the coach." Saelemaekers added, "This coach is Roma's legend. He has reset the team during tough times," referring to the upheaval the team had gone through earlier this season with multiple managerial changes.
With this victory, Roma now holds claim to significant bragging rights over Lazio, having won two consecutive derby matches after their last game against Lazio last April. This result serves as a pivotal turning point for Roma, now aiming to continue their upward trend as they push for higher spots on the table.
Following the match, the atmosphere was electric as Roma fans celebrated the victory, demonstrating the immense pride and passion embedded within this storied rivalry. With Ranieri at the helm and optimal team dynamics seen on the pitch, there is renewed hope for Roma this season.