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Nainggolan stunner proves decisive as Roma defeat city rivals Lazio

Radja Nainggolan’s stunning strike claimed a 2-1 victory for Roma in their Derby della Capitale clash against Lazio in Serie A.

Italy Soccer Serie A Diego Perotti, Kevin Strootman and Edin Dzeko celebrate Saturday's win.

ROMA MOVED TO within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli as goals from Diego Perotti and a superb effort from Radja Nainggolan claimed a 2-1 win over rivals Lazio in the Derby della Capitale.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s side were dominant for much of Saturday’s clash at Stadio Olimpico, with Lazio unable to replicate the form that has seen them win nine consecutive games in all competitions.

After Edin Dzeko had gone close on three occasions prior to the interval, Roma finally got a deserved breakthrough four minutes after the restart - Perotti keeping his cool from 12 yards following Bastos’ foul on former Lazio defender Aleksandar Kolarov in the box.

Italy Soccer Serie A Roma's Radja Nainggolan reacts after scoring his side's second goal AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Roma doubled their tally four minutes later when Nainggolan drove forward with purpose before planting an unerringly accurate finish into the bottom-left corner, giving Thomas Strakosha no chance.

Lazio were given a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining, however, as – after utilising the video review system - the referee awarded a penalty for Kostas Manolas’ handball.

Ciro Immobile stepped up to thump home and set up a grandstand finish, but Roma held firm despite late pressure from the visitors, with Marco Parolo going closest for Lazio.

The victory lifts the Giallorossi above their city rivals and Inter into third place, as Serie A’s title race intensifies.

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    Mute Jordo
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    Nov 18th 2017, 8:44 PM

    Napoli 4 points clear at the top as it stands. Good to see Juventus not running away with it for a change

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    Mute Seamus Cummins
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    Nov 18th 2017, 9:18 PM

    @Jordo: Roma and lazio also both have a game in hand over here others at the top, so things could become very tight at the top. Napoli at home to Juventus in two weeks will be a big one, Inter also quietly going about their business. Shaping up to be most competitive serie A for a few years.

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    Mute Jordo
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    Nov 18th 2017, 9:27 PM

    @Seamus Cummins: exactly

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    Mute Noel James Doherty
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    Nov 19th 2017, 9:23 AM

    @Jordo: forza Roma

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