Roma bounces back after Torino defeat as Pellegrini’s goal seals derby glory. Gasperini praises his midfielder’s maturity but urges for more attacking improvement.
Lazio 0-1 Roma
Goal: Pellegrini (68′)
Roma returned to winning ways in the most important game of the season, edging Lazio 1-0 in the Derby della Capitale thanks to a decisive strike from Lorenzo Pellegrini. The victory comes after a setback against Torino and gives the Giallorossi a crucial morale boost.
After the final whistle, Pellegrini, who scored his fourth career derby goal, spoke emotionally about what the moment meant to him.
“There was a lot behind that kiss towards the curva and the final hug,” Pellegrini told DAZN. “I was a bit emotional after the goal, Mancini knows why. Since I got injured, I’ve been determined to come back as a starter and win this derby. The people closest to me, like Mancio, supported me through this tough period. I really wanted this.”
The midfielder, who remains a symbol for Roma fans, addressed his future and love for the club:
“The fans know how much I love Roma, and I know how much they care about me. This team still has room to improve — there are so many players with personality who care deeply about the club. I’m proud to be one of the captains and to pass on this passion to those who join.
I’ve been close to leaving before, and at that time I was also injured. Today, I scored the winner in the derby. Football is unpredictable. As long as I’m here, I’ll always give everything for this shirt, no matter what the future holds.”
Pellegrini also joked about his scoring record in the derby:
“All my four goals have been under the Curva Nord. I still need to score under the Sud… but it’s okay, even if it’s under the Tevere stand, as long as the ball goes in!”
Gasperini: “Pellegrini Brings Quality, But We Must Improve in Attack”
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised Pellegrini’s performance and leadership but emphasized the need for his team to be more clinical in front of goal.
“I had no doubts about starting Pellegrini,” Gasperini said. “He’s a player of great quality, and he can become an important athlete for us. I was very satisfied until the final ten minutes, when we risked throwing away a game we had controlled.”
The Giallorossi manager acknowledged Roma’s struggles in attack:
“Our forwards are finding it difficult to score right now. Pellegrini has excellent timing and technique, but he’s a midfielder — he can score, but that’s not his primary role. Ferguson and Soulé played well, and those who came off the bench also contributed.
We need to work collectively on our offensive phase to be more dangerous and find the back of the net more often.”
Gasperini celebrated the win but admitted he wasn’t entirely pleased with how the match ended:
“I’m very happy for the fans, the team, and the club. But in the last few minutes, we were careless and almost paid for it. From tonight, we’ll focus on how to manage those situations better. Still, winning the derby is special — it gives us confidence to keep improving.”
