Video: Pellegrini opens the account in Rome derby after surprising Gasperini decision | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini surprisingly started Lorenzo Pellegrini in the Rome derby, and the Giallorossi midfielder proved his coach right by opening the scoring at minute 38.

Italy international Pellegrini gave Roma the lead at minute 38 in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates the opening goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Pellegrini was inspired by assist-maker Matias Soulé and Devyne Rensch, who had won the ball high up the pitch in the build-up.

Pellegrini was not even expected to start, as Gasperini said on the eve of the game that he could “not recover the player alone.”

The Roma coach had previously said the club were unwilling to extend Pellegrini’s contract beyond 2026.

Pellegrini’s goal in today’s match was his fourth in the Rome derby.

As reported by Opta, Pellegrini is the only player to have scored at least one goal in each of the last 11 Serie A seasons.