Roma enjoyed one of their best derbies of recent years by dominating Lazio in a 3-0 win.
Tammy Abraham put Roma ahead within one minute, before doubling the lead in the 22nd. Then, Lorenzo Pellegrini continued the dream first half with a sublime free kick.
In the second half, Roma managed the game exactly how Jose Mourinho would have wanted, keeping their clean sheet so they had everything to celebrate.
Here’s how Giallorossi Yorkshire rated the starting players.
Rui Patricio – 7
Another clean sheet for Roma’s reliable number one. He handled the ball very comfortably, putting in yet another solid performance – even if he was tested little – between the sticks.
Rick Karsdorp – 8
The Dutchman was a thorn in Lazio’s side with his marauding runs down the right. His crossing ability was fundamental, including the assist for Pellegrini’s second.
Gianluca Mancini – 6
Derbies are made for players who are up for the fight, which Mancini certainly was. Although not technically brilliant, and earning a customary yellow card, the defender was his usual combative self.
Chris Smalling – 9
In the middle of the back three, the Englishman was – as usual – a rock. He pocketed Lazio’s attackers with a range of blocks, headers and interceptions. Dominant.
Roger Ibanez – 7
Started the game well with strength on the ball and some solid challenges before one shaky moment conceded a chance. He recovered after it and despite that blip, did more good than harm.
Nicola Zalewski – 7
It was a big call for Mourinho to pick the youngster on the left, but after overcoming a tough opening 10 minutes, he justified his start. He won some inspiring tackles and showed good footwork until he was, sensibly, taken off after a booking.
Sergio Oliveira – 7
In the first half, the Porto loanee was very useful in midfield, anticipating the ball well and doing defensive duties. Although he faded slightly in the second half, his passing range was also decent.
Bryan Cristante – 9
Talking of decent passing range, that was one of the best Cristante has used the ball during his time with Roma. He sprayed it to the channels well, setting up one glorious chance for Abraham that he missed for a hat-trick. Cristante also was physical in the midfield, traits which would certainly be welcome more often.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 9
This man is class. Mkhitaryan ran the show as usual from midfield, using the ball gracefully at his feet. Lazio struggled to get it off him as he led by example. Renewal time soon?
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 8
Well done, captain. The pressure is always on the leader in the derby, but Pellegrini could not have done much better with his free kick. He has scored a few this season, but that was the best. Absolutely pinpoint. When this man gets it right…
Tammy Abraham – 9
What a signing, what a striker. Scoring with his, erm, middle section for the instinctive first goal and finishing again with a smart diving volley for the second, Abraham was pumped up from the outset. He should have had a hat-trick after missing a one-on-one, hence the one dropped mark, but his work rate and impressive finishes before then more than made up for it. Now he only needs one more goal to match Rodolfo Volk for the highest-scoring debut Roma season. Tammy is part of Rome.
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