ROME (Reuters) -Lazio and AS Roma played out a 0-0 draw in Serie A on Sunday as both sides missed opportunities in a fiery derby clash that produced a flurry of yellow cards at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio had the best chance following Roma’s aggressive start, with Luis Alberto unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box that struck the woodwork midway through the first half.
The result saw Roma climb one place to seventh on 18 points, three points off the top four, while Lazio are 10th with 17, and manager Jose Mourinho said he was satisfied with the draw.
“We play to win, a point is positive, it’s better than a defeat, especially against a team with more or less the same objectives,” the Roma manager told DAZN.
Asked if he was happy with the season so far, Mourinho added: “I am very demanding with myself. This is my nature. I am never satisfied.”
There were eight yellow cards, including one shown to Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri for dissent in what proved to be another intense battle in Serie A’s 159th ‘Derby della Capitale’.
Roma applied the pressure in the opening minutes but Romelu Lukaku’s header from a cross sailed over the bar.
Mourinho’s side thought they had taken the lead after Bryan Cristante put the ball in the net from a rebound, only to have the goal disallowed for offside.
Roma keeper Rui Patricio made a crucial reaction save to keep out Alessio Romagnoli’s header just before the half-hour.
As the battle for possession intensified in midfield tensions rose and the referee had his hands full controlling scuffles that broke out several times during the match.
“We are growing in tactical terms, rediscovering solidity, improving our character too, we just need to be as dangerous going forward as we were last season,” Sarri said.
“This is the most passionate derby in Italy, so that is a difficult situation. When you cannot win, you need to not lose. We had the best scoring opportunities and overall performance.”
Sarri was also asked about his relationship with Mourinho.
“I don’t like dealing with Mourinho the media character, but Mourinho the person is great,” he said with a smile.
Lazio visit bottom club Salernitana after the international break on Nov. 25 , while Roma host Udinese the following day.
(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris)
