April 6, (THEWILL)- Gianluca Mancini’s first-half header earned a 1-0 victory for AS Roma over city rivals Lazio in Saturday’s Serie A clash. The win ended I Giallorossi’s four-game winless run in the Derby della Capitale and moved them to within two points of fourth-placed Bologna.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with Roma’s Angelino and Lazio’s Ciro Immobile both going close in the opening exchanges. Lazio’s Gustav Isaksen almost gave his side the lead, but his effort was well blocked by Roma defender Nicolo Casale.
As the first half progressed, both teams continued to push for the opening goal, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Angelino going close for the home side. However, it was Mancini who broke the deadlock, powerfully heading home Paulo Dybala’s corner to spark wild celebrations among the Roma faithful.
Lazio boss Igor Tudor made a triple substitution at half-time in a bid to turn the tide, but Roma remained composed and almost extended their lead through Stephan El Shaarawy, who struck the post.
The victory maintains Roma’s unbeaten run in Serie A, now standing at seven games, and inflicts a first league defeat on Tudor since his appointment as Lazio manager. The result sees the Giallorossi close the gap on their rivals, who now sit nine points adrift in the table.