ROME — Lazio took city bragging rights by beating Roma 1-0 on Sunday in a derby to win a heated Italian Cup final and maintain its recent edge in the series.
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Senad Lulic scored in the 71st minute at the Stadio Olimpico after goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont failed to clear a cross from Antonio Candreva, leaving the unmarked Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder to put the ball into the net at the far post.
“This victory won’t be forgotten,” Lulic said. “I found myself there in the right moment. I dedicate this goal to my wife, who is pregnant.”
Lazio has now won four of the last five derbies, with the last meeting a 1-1 draw in April. Its sixth Italian Cup title also earned Lazio a spot in next season’s Europa League group phase.
Worries of fan violence at the match were high and there were brief clashes despite the presence of thousands of police officers both inside and outside the stadium. Also, South Korean rapper PSY was met with boos and small firework explosions during a pre-game performance. Organisers responded by raising the volume while he sang his hit, “Gangnam Style,” to drown out the dissent.
Roma started with an attacking 4-2-3-1 line-up featuring Erik Lamela, Francesco Totti and Marquinho behind centre forward Mattia Destro. Lazio countered with a 4-5-1 spearheaded by veteran Germany forward Miroslav Klose.
Klose had the first opportunity four minutes in, but missed wide.
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Totti, Roma’s 36-year-old captain, had his club’s first chance in the ninth, a bouncing shot that was stopped by Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti near the post. A minute later, United States midfielder Michael Bradley dribbled free and had a clear look at the target but sent his angled effort wide.
Klose had an even better chance in the 35th but his close-range header was blocked by Lobont.
