Mansion Sports – The Derby della Capitale once again delivered high drama as Lorenzo Pellegrini scored the decisive goal to give AS Roma a narrow triumph over Lazio.

The heated encounter also featured a red card for Rade Belahyane and a last-gasp effort from Danilo Cataldi that rattled the crossbar.

Pre-Match Conditions for Both Sides

Both clubs entered the derby under challenging circumstances, having suffered defeats in their previous matches and grappling with injury concerns.

For Lazio, Matias Vecino, Samuel Gigot, and Manuel Lazzari were unavailable, while Nicolò Rovella was declared fit after a late fitness test. Surprisingly, Pedro and Boulaye Dia were named in the starting lineup, replacing Taty Castellanos and Matteo Cancelleri.

Roma also faced setbacks, with Paulo Dybala, Leon Bailey, and Wesley sidelined. Mario Hermoso played despite not being fully fit, prompting José Mourinho to field Zeki Celik, Devyne Rensch, and Lorenzo Pellegrini from the start. For Pellegrini, it marked his first appearance of the season following injury.

A Difficult Opening for Lazio

Lazio’s night turned complicated early when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was forced off with a thigh injury in the 14th minute, replaced by Rade Belahyane.

Pedro and Nuno Tavares attempted long-range strikes, while Mattia Zaccagni nearly troubled Roma with a curling shot that goalkeeper Mile Svilar managed to palm away. Alessio Romagnoli also went close with a header that flew over the bar.

Pellegrini Puts Roma Ahead

Roma struck with their first clear opportunity. Devyne Rensch dispossessed Nuno Tavares deep in Lazio’s half before Matias Soulé delivered a precise pass to Pellegrini, who slotted home with composure from inside the box.

The goal marked Pellegrini’s fourth in Derby della Capitale history, a moment that left the midfielder visibly emotional.

Just before halftime, Roma almost doubled their lead when Ivan Provedel made a superb save to deny Rensch’s volley following Angelino’s cross.

Second Half Filled with Chances

Early in the second half, Nicolò Rovella was forced off due to injury, adding to Lazio’s woes. Roma kept pressing, with Provedel once again called into action, this time stopping Angelino’s shot before blocking his follow-up volley.

Lazio, however, nearly equalized when Gianluca Mancini lost possession, allowing Boulaye Dia a one-on-one chance against Svilar, only for the forward to blast his effort over the bar.

The introduction of Taty Castellanos injected fresh energy into Lazio’s attack. He quickly tested Svilar with a powerful strike and later curled another attempt narrowly wide. Roma responded with Tommaso Baldanzi, whose solo run ended with a shot that drifted past the post.

Red Card and Late Drama

Tensions escalated when Rade Belahyane committed a reckless high challenge on Manu Koné, earning him a straight red card. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Lazio continued to push forward.

Castellanos attempted an audacious scorpion kick from a set piece, while Artem Dovbyk fired into the side netting. Svilar produced another crucial save with one hand to deny Castellanos after another mistake from Mancini.

As stoppage time approached, Lazio’s hopes were dashed when Cataldi unleashed a sensational curling effort that crashed against the crossbar. At the other end, Baldanzi also struck the post with a late attempt.

The match concluded in chaotic fashion as Matteo Guendouzi received a red card for dissent, further inflaming the atmosphere.

With this result, Roma secured a vital Derby della Capitale victory, reaffirming Lorenzo Pellegrini’s status as a key figure in the Giallorossi midfield.