Lazio 0-1 Roma Player Ratings: Lorenzo Pellegrini 8/10 Rated as the Sole Goal from Pellegrini Decides the Scrappy Derby della Capitale

The Derby della Capitale rarely disappoints in drama, and this clash was no exception. Roma edged out their bitter rivals Lazio in a fiery encounter at the Stadio Olimpico. The final score was a tight 1-0. It was a victory built on a single moment of clinical finishing and defensive grit.

This wasn't a game for the purists. It was a tense, often scrappy affair, punctuated by fouls and fierce challenges. What stood out to us was the contrast in discipline. Roma kept their heads while Lazio completely lost theirs, finishing the match with nine men.

The decisive moment arrived in the 38th minute. Lorenzo Pellegrini, leading by example, found the back of the net to send the Giallorossi fans into delirium. While Lazio pushed for an equalizer, hitting the post in stoppage time, their efforts were ultimately undone by their own implosion. This Serie A clash will be remembered more for the red cards than the free-flowing football. Here are the Lazio vs Roma player ratings.

Roma Player Ratings vs Lazio

Here are th Roma player ratings vs Lazio.

Goalkeeper

Mile Svilar - 7.5: We thought Svilar was excellent when called upon. He made two crucial saves inside the box, including a big one to deny Valentín Castellanos. His command of the area was solid, claiming a high ball with confidence. Keeping a clean sheet in the derby is a massive achievement, and he played his part perfectly.

Defenders

Evan Ndicka - 6.5: A bit of a mixed performance from Ndicka. He was a rock in terms of ball recovery, winning it back eight times for his team. However, he also committed a couple of fouls and picked up a yellow card for a clumsy challenge. He lost three of his four aerial duels, which was a slight concern, but was generally solid enough.

Zeki Çelik - 6.5: A very industrious but sometimes frustrating performance. His pass accuracy was a brilliant 91%, showing his composure on the ball. However, he committed four fouls and offered little in the final third with his single cross going astray. He did his defensive duties but we expected a bit more impact going forward.

Gianluca Mancini - 7.0: This was a classic Mancini game. He was aggressive, combative, and a real nuisance for the Lazio forwards. He made five clearances and three interceptions, reading the game well. From our perspective, his warrior-like attitude was exactly what Roma needed to see out this tense victory, even if he did lose the ball a few times.

Midfielders

Devyne Rensch - 6.5: A hard-working display from Rensch, though it lacked a polished final product. He won an impressive seven duels, showing his commitment to the fight. On the other hand, losing possession 18 times is far too high. He also missed a big chance in the first half that could have made things more comfortable.

Angeliño - 7.0: Provided a good outlet down the left flank before being substituted. He created two chances and got a shot on target himself. His crossing wasn't always on the money, but his intent was always positive. A solid, dependable shift.

Bryan Cristante - 6.5: The captain put in a shift, as he always does. He was combative in the middle, winning his tackles cleanly. However, he struggled to make a real impact on the game in an attacking sense and lost possession a couple of times. A functional performance before being taken off to shore things up.

Manu Koné - 7.0: What stood out to us was Koné's composure. He had a 93% pass accuracy and was almost impossible to dispossess, drawing four fouls. He kept the midfield ticking over and recycled possession intelligently. He wasn't spectacular, but he was incredibly effective at controlling the tempo for his side.

Forwards

Lorenzo Pellegrini - 8.0: Our man of the match. He stepped up when it mattered most, scoring the derby's only goal with a calm finish. He was a constant threat, getting both his shots on target. A true captain's performance, leading from the front until he was substituted. He was the difference-maker.

Evan Ferguson - 7.0: A really promising display from the young striker. He didn't get a goal, but he was a real handful for the Lazio defence. He used his physicality well, created a big chance for a teammate, and got a shot on target himself. He battled hard and led the line with maturity before being subbed.

Matías Soulé - 7.5: The creative spark for Roma. He provided the crucial assist for Pellegrini's winner and created three chances in total. His delivery from wide areas was a constant threat. He faded a little before his substitution, but his contribution was decisive. A great performance.

Substitutes

Artem Dovbyk, Niccolò Pisilli, Neil El Aynaoui, Kostas Tsimikas - N/A: Came on late to help see the game out. Not on long enough for a fair rating but contributed to the defensive solidity in the final minutes.

Manager

G. Gasperini - 7.5: He got his game plan spot on. His team was organized, disciplined, and took their one big chance when it came. His substitutions were sensible, aimed at preserving the lead. In a derby decided by fine margins and temperament, his team had the cooler heads, and that's a credit to him.

Lazio Player Ratings vs Roma

Here are the Lazio player ratings vs Roma.

Goalkeeper

Ivan Provedel - 8.0: Lazio's best player by a country mile. He made a remarkable five saves, including four from inside the box, to keep his team in the contest. Without him, Roma would have won by a much larger margin. An outstanding goalkeeping display that deserved so much more. He was let down by his teammates.

Defenders

Alessio Romagnoli - 7.0: A composed and solid performance at the heart of the defence. He was excellent on the ball with 93% passing and made five clearances to repel Roma attacks. He won all his duels and was one of the few Lazio players who can hold their head high. A strong showing in a losing effort.

Nuno Tavares - 5.0: A day to forget for Tavares. His error directly led to the goal, a costly mistake in such a tight game. He offered little going forward and was hauled off at half-time. From our perspective, you just can't make those kinds of mistakes in a derby. A very poor performance.

Mario Gila - 6.0: He had a busy evening and recovered the ball eight times. However, he looked shaky at times and his discipline waned as the game went on, earning a needless yellow card. He struggled to contain Roma's fluid attack and was part of a defence that ultimately couldn't hold out.

Adam Marusic - 6.0: A very quiet and ineffective game from Marusic. He was tidy enough in possession but offered no threat in the final third. Defensively, he was okay but not spectacular. We barely noticed he was on the pitch for large spells, which is never a good sign for a full-back.

Midfielders

Nicolò Rovella - 6.0: He was neat and tidy in possession but failed to make any real impact on the first half. He was substituted at the break as Sarri sought a way back into the game. An unremarkable 45 minutes.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru - N/A: We can't give him a rating. His match was cruelly cut short by an injury after just 14 minutes. A very unfortunate turn of events for the midfielder.

Mattéo Guendouzi - 5.5: Fought hard and drew an incredible five fouls, showing his typical tenacity. However, his performance was completely overshadowed by his petulance. Getting a red card after the final whistle for dissent is inexcusable and summed up Lazio's total lack of discipline. He let his team and manager down.

Forwards

Pedro - 6.5: One of Lazio's brighter sparks in attack before his injury. He created two chances and was always looking to make things happen. It was a real shame to see him forced off, as Lazio looked less threatening after his departure. A decent effort.

Mattia Zaccagni - 6.5: The captain battled tirelessly and tried to drag his team forward. He had a shot on target and won his share of duels. But ultimately, he couldn't find the key to unlock the organized Roma defence. A frustrating evening for him.

Boulaye Dia - 5.5: A really disappointing performance. He was physically dominated, winning only 5 of his 12 duels. He missed a big chance that could have changed the game. He was isolated and ineffective before being rightfully substituted just after the hour mark.

Substitutes

Danilo Cataldi, Luca Pellegrini, Valentín Castellanos, Tijjani Noslin, Reda Belahyane - N/A: The subs tried to change the game, with Castellanos forcing a great save and Cataldi hitting the post. However, their impact was negated by Reda Belahyane's shocking red card for a reckless challenge.

Manager

M. Sarri - 5.0: His team looked bereft of ideas in attack and, crucially, devoid of discipline. While his half-time changes were logical, he failed to control his players. Finishing a derby with nine men is a tactical and managerial failure. He was out-thought and his team was out-fought in the mental battle.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Lorenzo Pellegrini