Coming into the game AS Roma had a massive 14-point gap to city rivals SS Lazio, whose amazing season has seen them fighting at the Italian summit. Despite both clubs vast differences in form, it counted for nothing coming into a derby as fierce as the Derby della Capitalé.
Roma should count themselves lucky getting away with maximum points. Julio Baptista bagged a brace with his clinical header and handed the team their long awaiting turnaround as the club sailed up to twelfth place after the derby win—whereas Lazio on dropped to fifth spot.
First half
The first half got off with a slow couple of minutes as both teams cautiously measured one another. It didn’t take long before the nasty challenges began, however, as both Tonetto and Ledesma managed to pick up cards for each side within the opening five minutes.
It took a quarter of an hour before the real chances started dropping in. Zarate, standing in a suspicious offside position, received the ball from Pandev but his shot hit the side netting. Lazio’s chance was closely followed by one for Roma as Vucinic’s diving header was denied by Carrizo.
Ten minutes later Zarate had another chance to give Lazio the lead but his downward header missed the target. The forward then received yet another golden opportunity to put his side one up after the rounding two players and firing off a shot that was intercepted by Doni.
Half chances were created by both sides for the remainder of the opening half but it was the visiting side that was closest to taking the lead in what ended with a scoreless deadlock at half time.
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about 1 month ago
it was a great match, one of those matches that people who don't understand football would say was not exciting enough because of lack of goals, when in truth it was more than exciting enough for anyone who appreciates the intensity of these type of encounters. The crowd was amazing, like it could perhaps have been in the colosseum all those years ago, baying for blood, Baptista's goal was worthy of such a contest and it was fitting that the cross was supplied by Roma's stalwart, Totti. Was glad I saw it, I did think Menez should have taken his chances in a much more serious manner, he seemed almost careless, it was poor finishing. Pandev should really have equalised when he was set up by Rocchi. Great game, nice recap.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah both Menez and Pandev wasted really good chances, I'm not really a fan of any of these clubs but somehow I was cheering for Lazio yesterday as they have been really good and exceeding expectations this season. But just like you said, the intensity and fierce rivalry in these types of encounters are just too good to miss out on and is without a doubt on the of the gems of Italian football. Thanks for the comment Illya!
about 1 month ago
Great match. That that there could've been more goals but hey a win is a win. Great job Roma and good recap too Marzia.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Thomas. The game was great, the second half in particular, but I was a bit disappointed to see Lazio walk away with zero points :P
from about 1 month ago
I wasn't dissapointed at all.
from about 1 month ago
hehe are you a Romanista by any chance ? :)
from about 1 month ago
haha. yea. i guess i am.
from about 1 month ago
Never mind, read on your profile just a second ago, AC Milan ;)
from about 1 month ago
you know, i was gonna write a recap on this =P. no worries though, you forced me to write my hollywood story. haha.
from about 1 month ago
hahaha but you did a great job on the Hollywood story, just read it :D
from about 1 month ago
Thanks. =)
from about 1 month ago
actually, i tend to lean more to Roma more than Milan. Thanks to Totti.
from about 1 month ago
Okay, well it's good to see him back in action anyways ;)
about 1 month ago
Great recap. I missed this one...but you filled me in on everything.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks S, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the POTD :D much appreciated
about 1 month ago
Jeez...Roma needed this beyond belief. They're season isn't out of danger yet, but this certainly will help a little bit.
from about 1 month ago
Hehe to say the least. Let's see if they can manage to string two wins together this weekend.
about 1 month ago
Just like it tends to happen with almost all derbies, this time the Olimpico was more a gladiator arena than a football stadium, but Roma managed to take the points. They desperately needed them, by the way. This time Spalleti planned his moves well, and Baptista's header came to pull Roma out of the threatening abyss...for now.
Lazio knows they'll need to reinforce this team they have if they are to aspire to something serious this season. Their scintillating start was just amassed hopes, and actually they just seem to have begin fading away
from about 1 month ago
You're definitely right, the stadium was pretty much boiling.
Lazio have something good going on but just like you said, reinforcement is needed if they're not to fall behind. But they did come close to scoring on a number of times and the game could have gone either way.
It's going to be interesting to see whether Roma will come away with a win against Lecce this weekend.
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