Roma, Massara: Pellegrini stayed, now focused, wins Rome derby | OneFootball

Roma emerges victorious from the Capital derby against Lazio, thanks to a decisive goal by Lorenzo Pellegrini, who returned to the field after 140 days of absence. Before the match, sporting director Frederic Massara had discussed the midfielder's future.

Roma, Massara on Pellegrini: "He could have left in the summer, now focused on the field". And he decides the Capital derby

"Today he plays, there's nothing like football capable of changing situations. We spent the summer sharing an idea that could also take him away from Roma, but it didn't happen and now we are all focused on the match, him first. Lorenzo is a strong player who has always brought us qualities and we hope he returns to do so starting from today".

The derby decided by the "outcast" Pellegrini

At the 38th minute of the first half, the action that decides the derby. Tavares loses the ball in the area after a duel with Rensch, Soulé serves Pellegrini who with a precise right in the corner scores the goal that sends the Giallorossi fans into ecstasy. Lazio tries to react in the second half: Dia misses the equalizer one-on-one with Svilar at the 54th minute, while in the end the match heats up with tense incidents. Direct red to Belahyane for a foul on Koné, incredible post by Cataldi at the 94th minute and also expulsion for Guendouzi after the final whistle.

With this victory, Roma rises to 9 points in the standings, while Lazio remains at 3. A match that confirms the centrality of Pellegrini in the Giallorossi project, especially after the possible sale in the summer that in the end did not materialize.

Line-ups and scorecard

Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares (1' st Lu. Pellegrini); Guendouzi, Rovella (1' st Cataldi), Dele-Bashiru (14' Belahyane); Pedro (34' st Noslin), Dia (17' st Castellanos), Zaccagni. Coach: Sarri

Roma (3-4-1-2): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Rensch, Cristante (36' st El Aynaoui), Koné, Angelino (36' st Tsimikas); Lo. Pellegrini (28' st Pisilli); Soulé (28' st Baldanzi), Ferguson (21' st Dovbyk). Coach: Gasperini

Referee: Sozza Scorers: 38' Lo. Pellegrini (R) Booked: Ndicka (R), Gila (L) Sent off: 40' st Belahyane (L), Guendouzi (R)

Pellegrini, a return that makes a difference

Pellegrini's return to the field confirms the importance of a technical and charismatic leader for Roma. After months of uncertainty about his future, the midfielder immediately made himself available to Gasperini, showing quality and determination, and becoming decisive in a derby that will remain in the annals of the Giallorossi fans. Massara, for his part, clarifies that the focus now is all on the team and on the field, leaving behind the market rumors.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.