Gianluca Mancini scores twice in the Derby della Capitale as Roma defeat Lazio and move one step away from securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
AS Roma claimed bragging rights in the Derby della Capitale with a massive 2-0 victory over SS Lazio, a result that puts Gian Piero Gasperini’s side firmly in control of the Champions League race heading into the final matchday of the Serie A season.
With Juventus losing to Fiorentina earlier in the day, Roma took full advantage and climbed level on points with Milan in fourth place. The Giallorossi now know that a win against already-relegated Verona on the final weekend would secure Champions League qualification.
The hero of the night was captain Gianluca Mancini, who delivered an unforgettable performance by scoring both goals in the Rome derby. The defender once again proved decisive against Lazio after his famous derby winner in 2024, this time finding the net twice with headers from corner kicks.
Roma initially struggled to settle into the match, while Lazio threatened several times during the opening stages. But the momentum shifted in the 40th minute when Niccolò Pisilli’s corner found Mancini inside the box, and the defender powered home the opener with a clinical header.
Lazio’s energy faded significantly after halftime as Roma grew increasingly confident. Paulo Dybala began to take control in the attacking third, producing several moments of quality as Gasperini’s side dictated the pace of the game.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 66th minute. Another corner kick, this time delivered by Dybala, found Mancini once again, and the Roma captain rose highest to head past goalkeeper Furlanetto for his second of the evening.
The derby became increasingly heated shortly afterward, with both teams reduced to ten men following a mass confrontation that resulted in red cards for Nicolò Rovella and Wesley.
Despite the defeat, Lazio goalkeeper Furlanetto produced several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Roma, however, were deserved winners and now have their Champions League destiny entirely in their own hands.
Match Report
Roma 2-0 Lazio
Scorers:
40’ Mancini (Roma)
66’ Mancini (Roma)
Roma (3-4-2-1)
Svilar; Mancini (83’ Ziolkowski), Ndicka (36’ Rensch), Hermoso; Celik, El Aynaoui, Cristante, Wesley; Dybala (88’ Dovbyk), Pisilli (46’ El Shaarawy); Malen (83’ Soulé).
Head Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini.
Lazio (4-3-3)
Furlanetto; Marusic (79’ Lazzari), Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Taylor (62’ Dele-Bashiru), Rovella, Basic; Cancellieri (71’ Isaksen), Dia (62’ Maldini), Noslin (79’ Pedro).
Head Coach: Maurizio Sarri.
Referee: Fabio Maresca
Yellow Cards: Taylor, Hermoso, Cancellieri, Tavares, El Shaarawy
Red Cards: Wesley, Rovella
