MATCH REPORT I Lazio 0-0 Roma
Despite so much being on the line in the Derby della Capitale, both Roma and Lazio dropped two points in the race for a spot in the top-four following a score-less stalemate the Stadio Olimpico in match-week 12 of the Serie A.
In the opening minutes of the game, Lazio were on the front-foot as they circulated the ball with ease and confidence. However, the Biancocelesti struggled to cope with Roma’s high-press, causing Paulo Dybala to win the ball high up the pitch and find Leonardo Spinazzola out-wide.
The Italian wing-back centred a fine cross towards Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian marksman’s header went above the bar. Spinazzola continued to cause havoc on the left-hand side as he whipped another cross and found Rick Karsdorp at the second post. The Dutchman’s venomous strike was brilliantly saved by shot-stopper Ivan Provedel. However, Bryan Cristante fired the rebound left by the Italian goalkeeper in the back of the net, but the holding midfielder’s goal was ruled offside.
Whilst the fixture was seemingly scrappy for wavelength of ten minutes, Lazio seized control as they dictated the game through their fluid possessive style-of-play. At the 25th minute mark, Felipe Anderson dispatched a well-weighted low-driven cross to find Luis Alberto at the edge of the box. The Spainiard’s one-time curler nearly beat Rui Patricio as the attacking midfielder hit the frame of the goal.
Shortly after, the 31-year-old took on the role of provider as he behind a free-kick following a wreck-less challenge. The Spanish maestro delivered an exquisite cross and found central defender Romagnoli. The former Milan defender’s staggering header was miraculously saved by the Portuguese shot-stopper.
Following a scoreless first half, Roma
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