Jose Mourinho. (Credit: Twitter)
The match was a dull affair as the Italian rivals took a point each from the traditionally heated fixture, but the war of words between Lazio gaffer Maurizio Sarri and Roma boss Jose Mourinho preceding the fixture was anything but.
The Roman Derby between Lazio and AS Roma ended in a scoreless draw as both teams shared the spoils in their Serie A encounter ahead of the international break.
The match was a dull affair as the Italian rivals took a point each from the traditionally heated fixture, but the war of words between Lazio gaffer Maurizio Sarri and Roma boss Jose Mourinho preceding the fixture was anything but.
Ahead of the Derby della Capitale, Sarri pointed out the difference in strength and quality of the opposition Lazio and Roma play against in their European competitions, with Lazio featuring in the elite European tournament, UEFA Champions League, while Roma play in the second tier UEFA European League.
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“Roma can afford a friendly on Thursday vs Slavia Prague. We played a war tonight, it’s a difference,” said Sarri after their 1-0 win over Dutch side Feyenoord in the UCL on Wednesday.
Mourinho, not one to take words against himself lightly, hit back at the 64-year-old stating there are no friendlies in the sport and pointed out his greater trophy haul, as he so often does.
“If anyone should be offended it’s Slavia Prague, I always respect my opponents,” Mourinho said.
“The difference between someone who won 26 titles and one who has won little, thinking that any match is a friendly,” the self-proclaimed special one added.
Roma are a point ahead of Lazio in the ongoing Serie A, as Mouinho’s men have 18 points from 12 games compared to Lazio’s 17. The giallorossi are placed seventh, while le Aquile stands 10th.
Both sides out of the top 6 positions in the league, which guarantees a place in the European competition next year.
Inter currently tops the Italian league table with 31 points from 12 games, followed by Juventus, who are two points off the leaders. AC Milan stand third with 23 points from 12 games while defending champions Napoli are 10 points off the table toppers in fourth.