Pellegrini Is Back And Scores Goal, AS Roma Beats Lazio At Derby Della Capitale

AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrated a goal that opened a 2-0 win over Lazio in Derby della Capitale. (X/@OfficialASRoma)

JAKARTA - AS Roma performed all out by beating Lazio 2-0 at Derby della Capitale in the Italian Serie A competition at the Stadio Olimpico, Monday, January 6, 2025 in the morning WIB. Roma's victory was achieved in just 18 minutes.

The match from the two capital teams is in very contrast. Lazio, who continued to appear with strong confidence after drawing 1-1 against Atalanta, was indeed on fire.

After losing 6-0 at home to Inter Milan, Lazio immediately got up. They won 2-0 over Lecce and then detained Atalanta so they could perch in fourth place. Lazio also remained in the Champions League zone.

What about Roma? This one-city rival has changed coaches three times during the only half-way competition. This shows that the Giallorossi is facing serious problems. The team's position on the board is proof that Roma is having problems. Even the club had to ask the former coach, Claudio Ranieri, to go down the mountain.

Ranieri's real return has retired after dealing with Cagliari has given Roma hope. They slowly showed revival by getting rid of the Serie B Sampdoria team in the Coppa Italia.

Roma then slaughtered Parma 5-0 and detained AC Milan 1-1. At its peak, Roma finished Lazio in the Derby in Rome. The victory brought I Lupi up to 10th with 23 points. Lazio himself still remains in fourth place with 35.

In that match, captain Lorenzo Pellegrini who was under pressure for the first time since October 2024 became the first choice. Pellegrini has been the target of a tifosi shot after Roma dismissed coach Daniele De Rossi. Fans rate the players who are considered the cause of the team's decline in performance at the start of the season.

However, Ranieri then returned to give confidence to Pellegrini. The trust was rewarded with a goal that opened Roma's victory in the 10th minute.

Starting from assists Alexis Saelemaekers and Pellegrini had tricked Nicolo Rovella before unleashing a shot into the top corner of the net. While celebrating the goal, Pellegrini, who is actually a local product, also showed a kub emblem towards the fans.

Winning 1-0, Roma are increasingly aggressive in suppressing opponents. They didn't take long to increase their lead. In the 18th minute, it was Saelemaekers' turn to beat goalkeeper Ivan Provedel.

This goal came from a long pass by Mile Svilar goalkeeper which was greeted by Artem Dovbyk and then given to Paulo Dybala. The ball was given to Saelemaekers and from a tight angle he fired a shot into the net. The score turned 2-0 for Roma and lasted until the first half was over.

In the second half, Roma continued to play at a high tempo to press Lazio. Only no goals were scored. Meanwhile, Lazio also struggled to score a goal to reduce the lag. Roma's two goals lead until the game is over.

Coach Ranieri showed his satisfaction with the victory. He gave reasons when he made a bold decision by fielding Pellegrini who had made hardline fans disappointed.

However, fans finally fell silent when Pellegrini broke into Lazio's goal. This is also Pellegrini's third goal at the derby.

"Pellegrini came to me and we discussed a lot. From there I knew he really wanted to be captain at the derby," Ranieri was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

"I couldn't wait to see him when his wish came true. When I took him down in the match against Milan, he said he wasn't in the best condition. So he played in the second half. But this time I made sure that he could do it. I also said that he would play," he said.