Lazio v Roma: Well, That Was a Surprise

By: Martha | December 10th, 2006

Old derby pic. Talk about an unjust scoreline — a 3-0 loss for the team that pretty much dominated the first 45 minutes is awfully harsh. That said, though, Lazio fought their proverbial socks off, and Roma never really got flowing. They were able to string passes together, but never created the space they need and rarely troubled the Lazio keeper. Also, that strike by Ledesma would be enough to demoralize even the strongest team, especially coming at the end of a half during which Lazio really failed to put together any sort of a threat. In the second half, though, they were better, and gained confidence and strength with each goal. Though Roma put together a few threats in the last few minutes, the (less skilled) Lazio team really dominated the final 20-30 minutes and looked tough as nails, a quality that could take them awfully far this year, what with Juve absent and Milan mired in midtable.

The TV coverage, when I could see it through the haze of idiocy created by the morons on Fox Soccer Channel (among other things, they spent quite a while crowing about how Oddo’s penalty tied the match and gave Lazio hope), featured an odd focus on Totti’s right thigh. I’m not complaining, mind you, but it was a bit unusual. I’m not entirely sure if his shorts were rolled up (displaying a nasty cleat mark) in an effort to lodge his eternal anger at the offending Lazio player, or whether the rubbing of the shorts hurt the wound and he was seeking relief, not pouting. Either way, it was hard not to be amused, particularly when he kept gesturing at the mark as if it was his explanation for every ensuing complaint and offense.

Tott’s thigh aside, Roma are now only one point ahead of Palermo — next weekend’s match is going to be fantastic.

Some Related Serie A Posts:

Category: Results, Roma, Serie A

« Empoli v Inter: Inter Continue to Roll | Home | Week 15, Or: It’s Rosetti’s Fault Yet Again »

John B

John, I think we need to start a petition — the guy should be not just sacked, but drawn and quartered. At the very least. He’s an ex-player, which apparently means he can (and will) give a definative explanation for EVERY SINGLE THING THAT HAPPENS ON THE PITCH. Or doesn’t happen, as is often the case.

Agreed. And don't get me started on the GolTV commentators.

Ideally I'd be able to listen to the English commentary (I detest it when FSC Guy cuts in during the Premiership matches). This guy seems to all too frequently fall victim to the American announcer syndrome - he even talks in that baseball announcer voice. That being said, I would tolerate his irritating delivery if he could offer any meaningful insights on the run of play; same for any American commentator for that matter.

In the meantime I'll continue trying to find out how to route my IP through the UK so I can listen to the BBC Radio match commentary. Anyone know how to do this?
Martha

Muddia, though in my heart I'm still cling to the idea of Palermo winning the title, my head is pretty sure that if Inter slip (a big, big if at this point) Roma are the only team with a chance to pass them -- they're undeniably skilled, and the squad is big enough to handled a few injuries, which Palermo's isn't. But losing those three point is obviously a big slip; next weekend's game against Palermo is HUGE now.
Martha

John, I think we need to start a petition -- the guy should be not just sacked, but drawn and quartered. At the very least. He's an ex-player, which apparently means he can (and will) give a definative explanation for EVERY SINGLE THING THAT HAPPENS ON THE PITCH. Or doesn't happen, as is often the case.
Luci

oh and bloody Milan pull yourself together!!!! they drew AGAIN my goodness they just keep digging the hole deeper for themselves get rid of carlo already!
Luci

Yes a suprise to say the least 3-0 geez Roma got up on the wrong side of the bed that morning
John B

They've gotta sack that FSC commentator. Worst I've ever heard
Muddia Beduddia

I watched the entire match at a bar without sound. Martha, spot on in your assessment of the 1st half. I was quite bummed and I am sure Roma were as well as they thoroughly dominated for 44 minutes and then that, maybe not fluke but certainly surprising goal. Doni didn't even move.

I think Totti kept showing the mark after that early 2nd half scrum in the OB near the Lazio net to show how rought the play was. I am fairly new to the sport (hated it growing up, got into it during the World Cup/disastrous Chicago Cubs 2006 season), was that really a worthy penalty? I though keepers had pretty much cart blanche when the ball neared them.

Also, do you think this really hurts any hope for a Scudetto?