Lazio 0-2 Roma: Match report, reaction and key statistics

In a game that was every bit as combative and fractious as both the game’s derby status and the two teams’ league position would suggest, it was Strootman’s moment of brilliance – robbing Lazio defender Wallace and then lobbing Federico Marchetti – that proved to be the turning point in the game, as Radja Nainggolan lashed home from 25 yards just over 10 minutes later to clinch victory.

Lazio, the day’s nominal home side, began in determined fashion at the Stadio Olimpico, enjoying the majority of the few chances created. Roma, with a new formation enforced by the injury absence of Mohamed Salah, initially struggled to click – but after about 30 minutes the seemed to settle and enjoy the majority of the possession.

It still took Strootman’s decisive impact to give the Giallorossi the breakthrough, however, with Nainggolan following that example soon after.

The result means Roma remain second in the Serie A standings, opening up an advantage on their city rivals in the process.

It was very much a game of two halves for the Giallorossi: With the first half a gruelling battle in the trenches, with few chances and plenty of concentration required. The second half, once Spalletti's side had asserted control of the contest and settled down, saw the chances begin to flow - as Strootman eventually made the pressure count.

The first half barely saw a chance of note for Roma, bar a huge penalty shout as Bruno Peres was brought down right on the edge of the box. The referee initially seemed to signal for a penalty, before changing his mind after advice from his assistant.

Lazio had a sprinkling of chances themselves, mostly through Ciro Immobile, but few ever really threatened Wojciech Szczesny.

In the second half Roma pushed forward with greater incision, as Dzeko almost immediately forced two saves from Federico Marchetti, as he rose high inside the box to meet two crosses. But it was Strootman who would break the deadlock, blocking Wallace's attempted clearance before flicking a shot over Marchetti and running to the Curva Sud.

That visibly settled the Giallorossi - especially after Lazio substitute Dani Cataldi lost his cool and was sent off for trying to grab Strootman following his celebration - and they controlled the rest of the game, with Nainggolan wrapping up the three points with a trademark long-range strike with 10 minutes remaining.

Roma's defence remained air-tight as they saw out the final 10 minutes; sparking wild celebrations with the fans at the full-time whistle.

Team selection

With Mohamed Salah ruled out due to injury the coach had at least one big decision to make - opting to change his system slightly in order to absorb the winger's absence.

Emerson Palmieri and Bruno Peres both started in a line-up that also featured three centre-backs, allowing the coach to change his system as he chose.

Diego Perotti partnered Edin Dzeko in attack, with Radja Nainggolan, Kevin Strootman and Daniele De Rossi comprising a combative central midfield.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

5’ - A couple of early corners for Lazio, one of which Milinkovic scuffs a shot well wide from.

10’ – Peres is caught by Lulic with an elbow, causing a brief stoppage in play.

12’ – Immobile smashes over from the game’s first clear chance.

20’ – Immobile fires well over once again from inside the box.

28’ – PENALTY... NO! Peres is fouled right on the edge of the box – the referee initially gives a penalty and then decides free-kick. A huge moment in the match!

35' - Roma start to grow into the match, but clear-cut chances are hard to come by...

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See more images in our match gallery.

SECOND HALF

49’ – Parolo shoots straight at Szczesny from distance.

51’ – Rudiger is booked, perhaps harshly, for a challenge on Balde.

53’ – Biglia, who had already been booked, escapes another card for a clumsy foul on Emerson

53’ – A free-kick is put back into the box – Manolas heads on for Dzeko but the striker can’t direct his header past Marchetti.

59’ – Emerson gets the ball inside and tries to cross from a tight angle, but Marchetti saves and holds at his near post.

61’ – GREAT CHANCE! Nainggolan gets free on the left and finds Dzeko, who heads straight at Marchetti!

63’ – The ball breaks kindly for Immobile, but Manolas makes a brilliant covering block.

65’ – GOAL! ROMA LEAD! Strootman robs Wallace on the edge of the box, then runs in and chips Marchetti with aplomb! A beautiful solo goal! 1-0 Roma!

66’ – RED CARD! Cataldi won’t see the pitch today – he is shown a red after grabbing at Strootman after the player celebrates his goal!

70’ – Now Lulic is booked for a lunge on Nainggolan.

73’ – Good turn from Milinkovic inside the box, but he can’t shoot on target.

74’ – Peres nearly meets Nainggolan’s cross but it’s just too deep for him.

75’ – Parolo shoots well wide from distance.

77’ – GOAL! IT’S TWO! De Rossi slips in Nainggolan who runs at goal and, from nearly 30 yards, finds the bottom corner! 2-0 to Roma!

Key match statistics

See more match statistics in our match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

“It was a special match but our league position was also important. We wanted to win and we worked very well."It's horrible to see our end of the ground empty but maybe they'll be in for our upcoming matches. Those who did come along were very important for us. These are three massive points." 

- Kevin Strootman

"The derby fires the imagination but we have other targets and must focus on AC Milan now. We've won a big match against a great side who are well put together."We need to look beyond the city walls though. Those who want to stay inside, can do so. We want to go and see what else is out there."

- Luciano Spalletti

What's next?

The Giallorossi now turn their attentions to Europe, as they conclude their successful Europa League group stage with a final game against Astra Giurgiu in Bucharest. With top spot in the group already assured, Luciano Spalletti can afford to rotate.

The side's next Serie A game comes a week on Monday: as Roma host another front-running side, AC Milan, at the Stadio Olimpico.

LAZIO 0-2 ROMA

Goalscorers: Strootman (64'), Nainggolan (77')

Lazio: Marchetti; Lulic, Radu, Wallace, Basta; Parolo, Biglia, Milinkovic; Balde, Immobile, Anderson.

Roma: Szczesny; Rudiger, Manolas, Fazio, Emerson; Peres (Jesus), Strootman, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Perotti; Dzeko.