Serie A: Roma Secures Derby Glory Over Lazio under Claudio Ranieri's Leadership

Roma currently holds a six-point lead over Lecce, who are positioned just above the relegation zone and managed a goalless draw against Genoa earlier in the day. With Ranieri at the helm, the capital club is showing signs of improvement and heading in the right direction.

Roma were in such disarray when the 73-year-old became their third coach of the season in November that relegation was not beyond the realms of possibility.

But after an encouraging draw at AC Milan, Sunday's display was another sign that a talented squad is starting to express itself.

Roma did not have it all their own way however and were camped in their own half after the break as Lazio pushed hard to get back into the match.

Valentin Castellanos and the impressive Nuno Tavares both went close to pulling a goal back while Loum Tchaouna's scuffed finish looped onto the crossbar just before the hour mark.

Castellanos was then sent off deep in stoppage time as Lazio ended a painful defeat with a pitchside scuffle.

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Pellegrini's opener came nine minutes into his surprise start in Roma's attack alongside Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk as the 28-year-old had been out of favour and often booed by fans despite being a local boy and club captain.

Boyhood Roma fan Pellegrini had been accused by angry supporters of being among a clutch of players who pushed for Daniele De Rossi to be sacked in September.

But he kissed the badge of his boyhood club after brilliantly whipping home his first league goal of the season following a lightning breakaway.

Eight minutes later and Roma took a surprise early two-goal lead through Saelemaekers, who after being put through by Paulo Dybala forced a fine save from Ivan Provedel and then tapped home the rebound.

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Pellegrini was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Stephan El Shaarawy midway through the second half, a sign that he has won supporters back to his side and that some normality is returning after largely awful opening half to the season.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)