Pellegrini Shines in the Derby Once Again

Lorenzo Pellegrini has once again demonstrated his talent. The midfielder for Roma, wearing the number 7, netted yet another goal in the derby, marking his fourth strike against Lazio’s Curva Nord.

Notably, all four of Pellegrini’s derby goals have coincided with victories for Roma. While this latest goal may not have been his most dazzling, it certainly carried significant weight, as it came after a challenging four months. During this period, Pellegrini faced injury setbacks, lost the captaincy under Gian Piero Gasperini’s new strategy, and even flirted with the possibility of leaving the club he has adored since childhood.

A Potential Departure?

In the closing days of the transfer window, the prospect of a sale loomed large. This was not driven by Gasperini or sporting director Ricky Massara, but rather by the Friedkin family evaluating the option to offload him to ease the financial strain and bolster other areas of the squad.

However, no transfer took place, allowing Pellegrini to stay in Rome. He seized the first opportunity to make an impact by scoring the decisive goal in the derby, earning three crucial points and signaling a fresh start.

Contextual Overview: Gasperini’s style is predicated on quick, dribbling wingers who create offensive overloads (their pursuit of Jadon Sancho highlighted this). However, at Roma, he has had only Matias Soulé available on the right wing, with Leon Bailey out due to injury.

Initially, Gasperini experimented with various players on the left side, including Stephan El Shaarawy, Paulo Dybala, and Tommaso Baldanzi, but none seemed to deliver the desired results. The return of Pellegrini changed that dynamic. After a lengthy absence, he played over 70 minutes, not only scoring the winning goal but also effectively tracking Lazio’s key playmaker, Nicolo Rovella, nearly assisting Angeliño with a brilliant setup before being substituted after giving his all.

A Shift in Strategy?

Gasperini praised Pellegrini as a “superior player” and expressed his desire to build the team’s strategy around him. He also called for support from the Friedkin family and a fanbase that has at times been critical of Pellegrini.

This scrutiny has often crossed the line. Playing for Roma alone (excluding his time with Sassuolo and the national team), Pellegrini has amassed impressive stats: 56 goals and 54 assists—figures that are indicative of a top talent, and not easily replaceable, as Roma experienced this summer. A key challenge, however, remains his salary, which ranges from €4 to €4.5 million net per year—an amount that poses difficulties for a club striving to cut costs before the end of the financial year.

At this stage, it is premature to discuss contract renewals or potential departures. What truly matters now is the next match. Pellegrini has shown a commitment to Gasperini with professionalism and humility, and the coach recognized this by including him immediately in the lineup. His performance against Lazio was exceptional, especially considering his lengthy absence and the significance of the match.

A Champion’s Display

Pellegrini rose to the occasion like a true champion, showcasing his value and exemplifying a team-first approach. Post-match, his interviews were devoid of any bitterness or controversy, expressing nothing but affection for Roma.

The goal itself was a highlight: a precise right-footed finish into the corner, beautifully set up by Soulé following an effective pressing move after Rensch dispossessed Tavares.

The season ahead is long and filled with challenges, but Pellegrini’s message to the club and the city is unmistakable: he has returned, and he has done so with flair. With a pivotal goal contributing to a memorable derby victory, he has reaffirmed his place as a vital player for Roma.