Italian media slam former Arsenal man Tavares in Lazio derby defeat to Roma | OneFootball

Lazio were beaten 1-0 by arch-rivals Roma yesterday in the first Derby della Capitale of the season.

It was Gian Piero Gaspeirni’s first derby at the Giallorossi and he will be delighted to have come away with all three points.

AURONZO DI CADORE, ITALY – JULY 15: Nuno Tavares during the SS Lazio training session on July 15, 2024 in Auronzo di Cadore, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)

The Biancocelesti did not look confident yesterday, with a great chance missed by Boulaye Dia to tie the game up.

Former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares was in particularly poor form yesterday and was criticised en masse by the various Italian news outlets this morning.

Low ratings all-round for Lazio star Tavares in Rome derby

Of the six major newspapers in Italy, not a single one rated the Portuguese left-back above a 4/10.

LaLazioSiamoNoi reveal that the Corriere dello Sport, Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Tuttosport and the Corriere della Sera all awarded Tavares a 4 rating.

Meanwhile, Il Tempo gave the defender a 3/10.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Nuno Tavares competes for the ball with Devyne Rensch of AS Roma 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 – Getty Images)

Tavares was at fault for Roma’s goal, attempting a back heel in front of his own penalty area while under pressure from Devyne Rensch. Roma nicked the ball back and Lorenzo Pellegrini put it past goalkeeper Ivan Provedel.

It was a close game and Lazio can count themselves slightly unlucky, despite the lacklustre performance. However, without Tavares’ error, the complexion of the game could have changed completely and the Portuguese star will be kicking himself for his mistake.