Roma is officially in the fight for the Scudetto. Victory in the derby certifies a candidacy that has already been in the air for some time and is now truly impossible to hide: the Giallorossi, now 5 points away from leaders Napoli but with a match to recover, have quality, ideas and a solid defence, as well as a coach brave and high level. Inzaghi's Lazio, on the other hand, comes out a bit downsized, at least as regards the Scudetto issue: it's true that no one in the Biancocelesti environment had ever even dared to talk about it, equally true that with the results obtained so far it made sense to at least think about it. The derby, beyond the other episodes that may have conditioned it, went to the team that deserved it the most, showcasing the best game and the highest quality.
In short, Di Francesco beat Inzaghi first of all with ideas: his 4-3-3, all rhythm and possession, proved to be more successful than the 3-5-1-1 defense and counterattacks of his colleague-rival. Having said that, the derby lived on the edge of nervousness and tension and only one episode could, if not decide it, at least direct it. In the 49th minute, a silly foul by Bastos resulted in a fair but fiscal penalty and Perotti gave Roma the lead. Lazio, up until then still in difficulty, felt the blow and 4' later Nainggolan doubled the lead with a great right foot from distance, thus bringing his players closer to the coveted booty. Immobile's penalty (72', Manolas' arm seen from the Var) only made a final more vibrant that the Giallorossi managed very well, without running practically any danger.
“Winning this derby was a great satisfaction – exulted Di Francesco. – Today I understood that it is better to do it as a coach than as a player”. The first half was balanced, then unfortunately we made some mistakes – Inzaghi's bitterness. – When you do naivety of this type, derbies are not won, they are lost ”. Roma yellow and red smiles and moves to third place in the standings just one point behind Juventus, today awaiting Marassi's treacherous away match against Sampdoria. Complicated commitment and difficult to read, between a favorite team par excellence like the black and white team and an author of a championship above expectations, moreover without ever losing at home, like the blucerchiata. And then, never as in this round, numerous variations will have to be evaluated: the cups arriving, of course, but also the searing elimination of Italy which could have left heavy waste in the protagonists. “Buffon and Barzagli won't play, they still have to get over the disappointment – Allegri admitted. – Among other things, I've heard my name associated with the national team and I say no, one day I'd like to but now I'm fine with Juventus. But now let's think about Sampdoria, playing there is never easy and we also conceded too many goals, we absolutely need to improve in this." Maximum respect for the opponents and this time they don't really seem to be words of circumstance. In fact, the blucerchiati are the surprise of the championship and can put anyone in difficulty, especially in the Marassi fort which so far sees them unbeaten in the face of 5 victories in as many matches (the sixth, the one against Roma, will be recovered on 24 January).
“On paper it is a game that has already been written but I am convinced that we will play it – thought Giampaolo. – Against Juve I've never scored points, sooner or later I'll make it and I think this time I'll have more chances than usual. They are favorites but they will have to sweat it out…”. Training chapter. Allegri will rely on a 4-2-3-1 with Szczesny in goal, Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini and Asamoah in defense, Marchisio and Khedira in midfield, Douglas Costa, Dybala and Mandzukic in the frontline, Higuain in attack. Classic form also for Sampdoria, who will respond with a 4-3-1-2 with Viviano in goal, Bereszynski, Silvestre, Ferrari and Strinic in the back, Barreto, Torreira and Praet in the midfield, Ramirez behind the offensive pair Quagliarella - Zapata.
