Roma retain bragging rights
Milan, Dec. 5: Second-half goals from Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan kept the local bragging rights with Roma for the fourth year running thanks to a controversial 2-0 derby win at Lazio on Sunday.
With only one point separating the sides, the biggest ‘Derby della Capitale’ in years was played out in a half-empty stadium as Roma’s hardline ultras continued to protest strict security measures introduced by the club last year.
But Roma made light of their relative lack of support with an improved second-half performance that saw Strootman then Nainggolan strike within 13 minutes of each other.
Roma are now unbeaten in eight editions of the derby and their 10th win of the season moved Luciano Spalletti’s men up to second at four points behind leaders Juventus. Lazio are now four points behind Roma. In Madrid, Valencia’s winless streak extended to six La Liga games as Pablo Fornals struck deep into stoppage time to hand Malaga a deserved 2-2 draw at a discontented Mestalla on Sunday.
Pablo Fornals had given the visitors the perfect start after just three minutes, but Valencia looked set for a much needed win as Rodrigo and Alvaro Medran turned the game around before half-time.
However, Valencia’s Italian boss Cesare Prandelli was faced with his first calls to go from the home fans to go after just seven games in charge when Fornals made Malaga’s late pressure count in the 93rd minute. Valencia move just two points clear of the relegation zone in 16th.