An incredible night, one that will live on in my memory forever.
Seven years ago on the 6th January 2005 Lazio beat Roma 3-1 in the ‘Derby della Capitale’ – the victory was made even more special because it was Biancocelesti’s first win against their bitter rivals in ten matches.
During that poor run, there were many dark days including a two-legged Coppa Italia defeat and a humiliating 5-1 home defeat when Vincenzo Montella scored four.
But less about that …
And back to the wonderful day – With both teams were struggling in the league and in need of a lift. Before the game all the talk was about Francesco Totti and Paolo di Canio – with neither player liking each other and lots of comments appeared in the papers in the build-up to match.
It turned out to be Di Canio’s day, he had kept his teammates up the night before by showing them ‘Gladiator’ and Any Given Sunday’ in an effort to ensure everyone was 100% motivated.
Lazio attacked the Curva Sud (the Roma end) in the first half, and in the 29th minute Fabio Liverani played a wonderful floated pass up field to Di Canio, who volleyed home from outside the box – He ran straight to the Romanistas to taunt them!
Whilst I am biased, Lazio dominated the first half and really should have been two or three up, but instead had to settle for a 1-0 lead at half-time.
In the 69th minute, Antonio Cassano equalized, my heart dropped and all I could think was “Here we go again!” I had seen Lazio throw away their lead all too often and with that awful run of form at the back of the players’minds. I was worried they would fall apart.
Fortunately this was not the case, just five minutes later Cesar recieved the ball on the edge of the box – to his surprise he had enough space to strike the ball past the stranded Roma keeper.
After that the Biancocelesti player’s confidence grew, and there was no way they were going to throw away the lead again.
In the 85th minute, Tomasso Rocchi killed the game off – he managed to get ahead of the Roma defence and cheekily knock the ball past the on-coming keeper.
Di Canio was then substitued, he got a standing ovation from the Lazio faithful – as he walked off he soaked up the moment and once again taunted the oppsing team and their fans, by raising hand in the air with three fingers raised.
At the final whistle, Di Canio made he his was across Curva Nord to celebrate with the Lazio fans, it was even more special for him as he spent his youth standing on terraces.
This was when he made his infamous salute, he still states it was a ‘Roman’ salute rather than a ‘Fascist’ one. He recieved a €10,000 fine, which one of the Far Right parites offered to pay, an offer that Paolo declined.
I don’t know how long it took to get away from the stadium, I was buzzing, it was such a great feeling to see the team win.
Having got off the bus at Piazza Risorgamento, I started to make my way home, but as I waited to cross the road the Roma team coach stopped at the traffic lights. There was just enough time for myself and some other Laziale to waves our flags and scarves as the coach went past.
A day that will live on in my memory forever …
