By Petar Todorovski
Francesco Totti scored twice in last twenty minutes to see his team beating arch rivals Lazio in Derby Della Capitalle with 2-0. Despite the spirit, this victory certainly boosted Lupi’s chances for securing Champions League spot for the next season.
Gialloross almost took the lead after four minutes play, when David Pizarro blasted wonderful shot that smacked the bar. Few minutes after Totti started an action that Jeremy Menez continued to Juan, whose shot was stopped by Ledesma.
After these excitements almost nothing happened. The half-filled Stadio Olimpico and the weak play by the rivals barely reminded on one of world’s greatest derbies. We couldn’t see any other scoring opportunity or some great move in the first half.
In the beginning of the second half Roma tried again to put some pressure on Muslera’s goal. Francesco Totti and Jeremy Menez combine, without any siccess however. Lazio had the first serious chance through Lichtsteiner’s action, which ended with a bad pass by Mauro Zarate. They treated one more time when Floccari should have done better after Hernanes great cross. His header was terrible and Doni cleared the situation easily.
When Lazio missed their chances, the punishment arrived. Francesco Totti blasted one of his trade mark powerful free kicks and brought Roma the 1-0 lead. Fernando Muslera tried hard, but it was too powerful to do anything.
Then the derby turned nervous. Matuzalem was lucky not to be sent off by referee Tagliavento after a foul against Totti, but what Stefan Radu dud was too much. The Romanian gave a head-butt to Fabio Simplicio and the referee had no choice, but to send him for early shower.
Ledesma was the next who was sent off. The midfielder protested after the penalty that has been awarded to Lupi. Totti took advantage on it and scored for 2-0.
Talisman Francesco Totti was proud on the victory. “It’s is a very important win, winning against Lazio always leaves an impression. And, as a Roman, a Roma fan, scoring the winning goals makes me doubly happy. I am also delighted to give this win to the Sensi family who deserve it, having always put faith and passion in Roma,” he said.
John Arne Riise talked about the new beginnings with Coach Vincenzo Montella. “We are doing well under Vincenzo Montella, and we must continue like this. Now we have to beat Fiorentina next. There is only one captain. Totti is an incredible man and player.”
Now Roma is only four points away from fourth placed Udinese, which holds the last Champions League position. They have an opportunity to melt the gap next weekend against Fiorentina.
