Match Overview
In a tight and emotionally charged Derby della Capitale, AS Roma edged past Lazio 0–1 at the Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025, in Serie A 2025/26. The winner came via Lorenzo Pellegrinilate in the first half, as Roma held on despite late red cards and a barrage of Lazio pressure. This “Lazio vs Roma” clash once again proved decisive for Roma’s early season momentum.Key Moments & Goals Timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| ~38′ | Lorenzo Pellegrini scores the only goal: Matías Soulé intercepts a Lazio turnover on the left, cuts across to Pellegrini who finishes inside the box. |
| 1st Half | Lazio dominate possession early with chances from Mattia Zaccagni and Pedro, but Sr. Mile Svilar and Roma’s defenders repel threats. |
| ~54′ | Boulaye Dia misses a one-on-one against Roma’s keeper, a crucial chance for Lazio to level. |
| 76′ | Valentin Castellanos curls a shot just wide for Lazio in one of their better set-piece or transition moments. |
| 86′ | Reda Belahyane is sent off for Lazio after a dangerous challenge on Manu Koné. Lazio down to ten men. |
| 90+7′ | After the final whistle, Matteo Guendouzi sees a red for dissent / abusive language. Tensions boil over in stoppage time. |
Standout Player Performances
- Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma): The match-winner. Despite off-field issues, loss of captaincy, and limited play in early matches, Pellegrini showed leadership and composure to score a decisive goal. His finish, and celebrations, drew attention.
- Matías Soulé (Roma): Created the assist for the goal, pressing high to force the turnover. Also involved in several attacking builds, offering width and creativity.
- Mile Svilar (Roma, GK): Made some key saves under pressure, especially during second half when Lazio pressed hard — one-on-ones and attempts from close range.
- Ivan Provedel (Lazio, GK): Had to stay alert, particularly dealing with Roma threats after the press, though beaten by Pellegrini’s well-placed strike.
Tactical Breakdown
Formations and Line-Ups
- Lazio lined up in a 4-3-3: Ivan Provedel in goal; defence with Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli; midfield trio helping both transitions and defensive cover; attack anchored by Boulaye Dia and Pedro, supported by wing activity from Zaccagni.
- Roma deployed a 3-4-1-2 under Gian Piero Gasperini: a back three that offered defensive stability, midfield with Koné and Cristante, and attacking support from Soulé with Pellegrini behind forwards Evan Ferguson. This formation allowed Roma to stay compact defensively and exploit turnover moments.
Strategy & Adjustments
- Roma’s high press paid dividends when Soulé forced a Lazio turnover that led directly to the goal. After taking the lead, Roma sat a bit deeper and relied on counter-attacks and structured defense.
- Lazio attempted to dominate possession and create chances through wide players and balls into the box, but struggled in the final third. Dia missed the key opportunity, and Castillaños’ effort hit the post. The red cards late in the match severely limited them.
Post-Match Reactions
- Gian Piero Gasperini (Roma manager) expressed satisfaction with defensive discipline and ability to grind out a win in a derby, especially given the injury absences (Paulo Dybala, Wesley, Hermoso). Pellegrini’s performance would have been hailed.
- Maurizio Sarri (Lazio coach) will be frustrated by missed chances and lapses in discipline. The red cards—Belahyane’s high challenge, Guendouzi’s post-match behaviour—will be major talking points. The squad’s early results in the season are under pressure after losing three of four matches.
Fan Reactions & Atmosphere
The Stadio Olimpico, attendance ~61,000, lived up to its reputation. The derby started at lunchtime, chosen for security reasons, but the heat did not dampen the atmosphere. Smoke bombs and passionate support especially from the Curva Sud erupted after Pellegrini’s goal.Lazio fans pressed during the second half, growing frustrated as chances went begging and refereeing decisions (including red cards) added fuel to the tension. In Roma’s end, Pellegrini’s goal was celebrated amid chants referencing his status and commitment.
What This Means for the Season
- AS Roma: The win boosts Roma’s early season position; with this victory, they climbed to 9 points from 4 matches, showing solidity under Gasperini. Clean sheets are becoming a pattern. It also strengthens morale and belief in derby matches.
- Lazio: A painful outcome. Despite decent possession and efforts, the inability to finish, plus disciplinary lapses, are costly. Sarri will need to find sharper attacking solutions, and ensure the squad responds better in high-intensity scenarios. The loss highlights areas of concern in finishing and mental discipline.