The Derby della Capitale between Lazio and Roma has now passed. Although ending 1-1, this match was mostly dominated by one side. This was the Biancocelesti, who had plenty of chances to win the game against the Giallorossi but were unable to capitalize on their chances.
Simone Inzaghi’s men opened up Week 2 of football very strongly. In just the 3′ minute of the game, Lucas Leiva had a chance outside the box where he shot the ball towards the net to beat goalkeeper Pau Lopez but not the left post. Moments later in the 5′, Nicolo Zaniolo had Roma’s first chance with a left-footed shot outside the box. However, he too was denied by the post. The game found its first tally when Edin Dzeko shot the ball from just outside the 18-yard box to hit Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s arm, which resulted in a penalty shot for Roma. Lazio hardly contested the play as they knew it was the right call. Aleksandar Kolarov took the penalty shot and took advantage of the situation: he had Thomas Strakosha dive the opposite way as he slotted home a comfortably hit strike into the left side of the net. 1-0 Roma. In the 24th minute of the game, Lazio had another two terrific chances. The first, when Milinkovic-Savic received a great pass which he headed to Immobile, who beat the defense but not the crossbar. Right after the aforementioned play, Joaquin Correa had a chance to score, shooting from the left side of the net. He beat Pau Lopez in goal but not the right post. Lazio had many chances in the first 25 minutes, yet were unable to find the back of the net. Their rival got another chance to score in the 27th minute but Zaniolo once again hit the right post.
After giving up an unfortunate goal in the first half, Lazio kept pressing Roma on the counter-attack and had good ball movement through the middle of the field. Throughout the game, Luis Alberto moved the ball well, making good passes and finding his teammates with good decision making. The Spaniard’s strong play throughout the game finally paid off. After a beautiful steal by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the right side of the field, the midfielder brought the ball up nicely to find Ciro Immobile, who patiently held the ball. The striker then passed the ball to Luis Alberto – who joined the attack – found space in the box, and scored his first goal of the season. 1-1. In the 85th minute, Marco Parolo received a great pass from Correa into the center of the box – which he shot with his left foot – but in led to the fourth post of the game for Lazio. In extra time, Lazio had thought they had taken the lead, but the goal was disallowed when Jony was called for being offside.
This game had an unfortunate result but it could have been worse for the Biancoceleste. The team will now take a two-week break and look ahead to their next fixture against Spal.
Player Ratings
Starting Eleven:
Strakosha – 6.5
Felipe – 6
Acerbi – 6.5
Radu – 6.5
Lazzari – 7.5
Milinkovic-Savic – 7.5
Leiva – 7
Luis Alberto – 7.5
Lulic – 6
Correa – 7.5
Immobile – 7
Subs:
Bastos – 7.5
Parolo – 6.5
Jony – 5.5
