17 May 2026

Mancini brace sinks Lazio as Roma near Champions League

AS Roma beat Lazio 2-0 at Stadio Olimpico in Serie A Round 37, a result that keeps Roma right on the heels of the Champions League places. It was a night owned by Gianluca Mancini, who powered in two headers and led a disciplined team display in Rome.

Mancini owns the box

The Roma defender scored in the 40th minute and again in the 66th, both times with expert headers. First he met Niccolò Pisilli’s cross, then he nodded in a Paulo Dybala delivery to double the lead. Mancini finished with two shots, both on target, and a standout Sofascore Rating of 9.4. It was a classic center-back brace built on timing, positioning and a touch of stubbornness in the air.

Second-half control and a fiery flashpoint

Roma tightened their grip after the break, outshooting Lazio 10-2 with second-half xG at 0.78 to 0.05. The match did boil over on 70 minutes, when Wesley and Nicolò Rovella were both sent off for violent conduct. Lazio goalkeeper Alessio Furlanetto kept the score in check with six saves and 0.30 goals prevented. Late on, substitute Artem Dovbyk hit the woodwork as Roma pushed for a third.

Midfield platform and coaching calls

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma set up in a 3-4-2-1 and got steady shifts from Bryan Cristante and Neil El Aynaoui. Cristante won all three of his tackles and captained well, while El Aynaoui posted two key passes and a 7.6 Sofascore Rating. Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio went 4-3-3, with Toma Bašić creating a big chance and adding two key passes. Despite Nuno Tavares’ 83 touches, Lazio’s crossing return was limited (2 of 11 completed).

Key numbers tell the story

– Shots: Roma 16, Lazio 6 (on target 7-2)
– Possession: Roma 49%, Lazio 51%
– xG: Roma 1.20, Lazio 0.71
– Corners: Roma 8, Lazio 3
– Tackles won: Roma 59%, Lazio 54% (total tackles 17-13)
– Interceptions: Roma 17, Lazio 11
– Offsides: Roma 1, Lazio 2

Who stood out on Sofascore

Beyond Mancini’s 9.4, Dybala delivered an assist, won 11 duels and earned an 8.0 Sofascore Rating. For Lazio, Furlanetto led the way at 7.2, with Bašić at 7.1 and Mario Gila active on both ends. Roma’s injury note saw Evan Ndicka exit on 37 minutes, replaced by Devyne Rensch.

Roma move closer to a Champions League spot with one round to go, powered by set-piece quality, a clean sheet and a composed second half. Track form, live metrics and Sofascore Ratings for the Serie A run-in on Sofascore.