Four Things We Learned: Kolarov dagger defines derby

Defiant derby win

Roma made it two wins in a row by running out victors in the colossal Derby della Capitale against Lazio. Although it wasn't all plain sailing - as Federico Fazio's hesitation allowed Lazio to briefly level it in the second half - Roma ultimately held firm and were good value for their 3-1 victory.

The way they contained the highly threatening Lazio frontline to just three shots on target, while playing some quality offensive football of their own and flexing their muscles at set piece situations will be crucial in bolstering the group's confidence ahead of another midweek Champions League clash.

"The lads had a different look in their eyes today and this performance is the result of that," coach Eusebio Di Francesco said.

"You can't win every game but I want to see the players always applying themselves the way they did today.

"When you're stuck in a rut you have to dig deep and deliver a bit extra. This is my team. You need character to stay focused on the game and the lads did that today. It shows we've improved.”

Santon proves his worth

When Roma announced the arrival of Davide Santon, who Inter Milan fans heavily criticised, many believed this was a poor piece of business by Monchi and his team.

But having witnessed Santon's extremely accomplished outings against Frosinone and Lazio, Monchi, who showed his faith in him from the off by meeting him at the airport when he signed, would be feeling a palpable sense of vindication about the deal.

Particularly brilliant in the Giallorossi's derby victory, Santon hardly put a foot wrong, as he contributed tidily on both sides of the ball. Defending with equal measures of intelligence, aggression and intensity, the 27-year-old made a slew of vital interventions. Indeed, his three won aerial duels, two clearances and nine interceptions aptly illustrated his worth.

Meanwhile, on the attacking end, he decisively drove up the touchline when the opportunity represented itself, passed the ball competently and looked really dangerous on the dribble on his was to completing three take-ons.

The passage below was particularly memorable as he beat three Lazio foes in a matter of seconds.

Set piece specialists shine

Giving away fouls in dangerous positions in and around the final third is always risky business against Roma due to the quality dead ball specialists they possess. And when Lazio committed two fouls in the aforementioned areas, the Wolves duly punished the Eagles.

Firstly through Aleksandar Kolarov's masterfully struck free kick from just outside the box that combined power and placement beautifully.

Then secondly courtesy of Lorenzo Pellegrini's precisely struck set piece that was whipped in sharply from range to find the head of Fazio.

El Shaarawy’s runs wreak havoc

Stephan El Shaarawy's dynamic off the ball movement caused persistent headaches throughout for Lazio, as he proved a rather elusive proposition for Roma's rivals.

Whether embarking on his runs from out wide, in the half spaces or centrally, his variations were key in unbalancing the opposition backline. By making his runs in between defenders, this often meant he could draw two men to mark him, which subsequently freed up a teammate.

Indeed, this was exactly what happened for the first goal, as he instigated his beautifully timed run between Adam Marusic and Luiz Felipe, thus provoking both men to track him.

Having read Edin Dzeko's flick-on astutely, El Shaarawy’s run then created doubt in Thomas Strakosha's mind, with the Lazio keeping coming off his line unconvincingly to flap at the ball. Put off by the presence of El Sharaawy charging towards him, the Albian netminder consequently flapped at the ball lamentably.

All this combined to leave three Lazio players in no man's land, leaving Pellegrini with the freedom to find the back of the net with a sublime back heel finish to get Roma off to a flyer.