Roma 2-1 Lazio: Match report, reaction and key statistics

With 56,000 fans packed inside the Stadio Olimpico to cheer on both sides, Diego Perotti converted from the penalty spot to give the Giallorossi the lead moments after half-time - before Radja Nainggolan unleashed a trademark drive soon after to put Eusebio Di Francesco's side in charge.

A penalty from Ciro Immobile with 15 minutes remaining set up an understandably tense finish, but Roma held on to clinch victory and end their opponents' nine-match winning streak.

It was a somewhat edgy start from the hosts, with only the assistant's flag preventing Immobile from giving Lazio an early lead. Roma went on to control much of the rest of the first half, although only Edin Dzeko's first-time from a corner really threatened to beat Thomas Strakosha in the Lazio goal.

It did not take long in the second half for the game to change, however, as Aleksandar Kolarov was fouled in the box by Bastos. Diego Perotti stepped up to take it and, in customary cool fashion, buried the shot to put Roma ahead.

Four minutes later that lead was doubled - as Radja Nainggolan latched onto a Perotti pass before unleashing a brilliant low shot from the edge of the box that flew into the bottom corner.

That sparked wild celebrations in the Curva Sud, although there was still almost 40 minutes to be played. Roma continued to push forward and a number of chances to kill the game off - before another momentum switch came with 20 minutes remaining.

Lazio were awarded a penalty with the aid of VAR - Kostas Manolas being adjudged to have handballed in the box - and Immobile duly converted.

A tense conclusion ensued, but Roma held firm to clinch a valuable win - and extend their winning streak to six matches.

Team selection

Radja Nainggolan was deemed fit to start by coach Eusebio Di Francesco, after overcoming the thigh injury he suffered while on international duty with Belgium last week.

Daniele De Rossi captained the side, while Edin Dzeko led the attack alongside Stephan El Shaarawy and Diego Perotti.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

2' - Immobile thinks he has an early goal but the offside flag is raised.

10' - Good skill from Radja as he flicks the ball over Lucas, but his half-volley is over the crossbar.

20' - Perotti swings the cross in from the left and Dzeko glances his header narrowly wide of the far post!

30' - Kolarov fires in a low cross but Strootman cannot steer his shot on target.

35' - Radja's first-time volley is charged down and goes out for a corner. The delivery is turned goalward by Dzeko but Strakosha makes an important stop!

40' - More pressure. Perotti forces a corner off Bastos - from the resulting delivery the ball hits an unaware Strootman and loops into Strakosha's arms.

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

48' - PENALTY TO ROMA! Kolarov is tripped by Bastos and the referee does not hesitate!

49' - GOAL! ROMA LEAD! PEROTTI! He steps up slowly... and side-foots a shot high to Strakosha's left. No mistake!! 1-0!

53' - GOAL! IT'S TWO! NAINGGOLAN! What a player, what a goal! Radja runs free on the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful low drive that Strakosha cannot stop! The Curva Sud is rocking! 2-0!

64' - Great passing move from Roma as Dzeko squares for El Shaarawy, who then lays it off for Radja ... but he shoots straight at Strakosha.

71' - Penalty for Lazio. The referee goes to VAR to check the replay and decides to award a penalty for a handball in the box.

72' - Goal for Lazio. Immobile scores. Alisson goes the right way but Immobile's strike from the spot is too powerful. 2-1.

75' - Florenzi lets rip from distance but De Vrij puts his body on the line to make the block. A break in play now while the defender is treated.

85' - Parolo shots at goal from the edge of the box, but Alisson is able to watch it as it flashes narrowly wide...

90' - Spell of pressure from Lazio ends with a deflected shot being gathered by Alisson.

90'+4 - Lazio throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser. Immobile manhandles Peres and the action stops briefly as players from both sides get involved.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

“The goal is not what’s important, but helping the team. It was a great team win. I’ve always tried to help my team-mates. It was a game I wanted to play in – these are special matches. I made my impact and I’m happy with that."I gave everything to be here – we managed to win and I'm pleased.”

- Radja Nainggolan

“It’s hugely satisfying. I’ll always remember this one, because it’s the first I’ve won as a coach. It’s wonderful and I can assure you it’s more of an ordeal as a coach than as a player.“We hope to stay near the top of the league for a while – not many had us as one of their favourites. I believe in the work we’re doing and what I’m doing here. Now the players realise that pushing into the opponent’s half has great benefits.”

- Eusebio Di Francesco

What's next?

Roma now travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in a crucial Champions League group stage match - with a win guaranteeing them a place in the knockout stages of the competition.

They are next in Serie A action on Sunday, as they travel to face Genoa at the Marassi.

ROMA 2-1 LAZIO

Goalscorers: Perotti (49' p.), Nainggolan (53'); Immobile (72' p.)

Roma: Alisson; Florenzi (Peres), Fazio, Manolas, Kolarov; De Rossi, Nainggolan (J. Jesus), Strootman; El Shaarawy (Gerson), Dzeko, Perotti.

Lazio: Strakosha; Bastos, De Vrij, Radu; Marusioc, Parolo, Lucas Leiva, Milinkovic-Savic, Lulic; Luis Alberto; Immobile.