Roma secured second place in Serie A and automatic qualification to the Champions League with a dramatic late win over arch rivals Lazio.
Three goals in the last 12 minutes of the game saw Roma take the win, the first being a Juan Iturbe strike which was cancelled out nine minutes later by a Filip Djordjevic header. With only five minutes remaining, however, Giallorossi defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa became a hero as his goal gave the visitors a priceless derby win.
The result means that Lazio face an effective play-off next week at Napoli to decide who will play in the Champions League next season.
Unlikely heroes for Roma
Roma’s transfers this season have not been a universal success. Many have had a difficult first campaign in the capital and some have struggled to adapt to Rudi Garcia’s way of thinking. Iturbe and Yanga-Mbiwa would certainly fit into those categories. Yet they were Roma’s winners in the team’s most important match of the season. Iturbe looked threatening throughout, with his pace causing problems for Lazio’s backline. He went on to score the opener, only his third goal in his debut season at the Stadio Olimpica.
Yanga-Mbiwa meanwhile had a solid game in defense, then became a hero for the Giallorossi faithful when he scored the late winner. After the match, the French international claimed that he is now part of Roma’s history. He is right. But he, and Iturbe, are also vital parts of Roma’s immediate future. The faithful will want repeat performances from their derby day heroes.
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Tide turning in the capital
In recent years Lazio have held the upper hand in Rome. Although their league positions had been similar to Roma, Lazio were superior to their rivals when they met. The most famous example would be the 2013 Coppa Italia final where Lazio edged out Roma in the most important Rome derby of all time. That game was two years ago, Lazio have not beaten Roma since. Rudi Garcia’s record as Roma manager in the derby is played four, won two, drawn two. With Roma finishing second in both of Garcia’s season in charge, Lazio have fallen behind. Although the gap between the two sides is minimal, as proven by this weekend’s game, there is a gap nonetheless.
Hell of a week for Lazio
This time last week Lazio were on the edge of glory. They had a Coppa Italia final against Juventus and a derby against Roma to come. If they had won both they would have claimed their second Coppa Italia in three years and a spot in next season’s Champions League. Instead, they are now on the brink of a disappointing campaign. No silverware and missing out on the Champions League would be disaster for Lazio. The team has been in great form this season and the likes of Felipe Anderson have lit up Serie A. Yet they now face Napoli at the San Paolo in a do-or die encounter for a place at Europe’s high table. Lazio dare not slip up again.
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Violence mars the derby…Again
The Rome derby is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most passionate football games in the world, yet it is on the verge of being tarnished forever. Violence broke out on Monday, with both sets of fans clashing with police. In the past, kick-off times have been moved and stands closed to prevent trouble. None have succeeded. It could well be the case that in coming years the game is played behind closed doors in order to prevent trouble. One of the biggest games in the European football calendar has to be preserved, but not at the risk of fan safety. It is not up to the fans. Behave or lose their most prized game of the year.
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