Lazio have held on for a point despite being reduced to 10 men against Roma as an ill-tempered Rome derby ended 1-1 this evening.
© AP Photos
The visitors almost broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Antonio Candreva's powerful strike looked goalbound, but Maarten Stekelenburg did well to turn it past the post.
Lazio did take the lead just four minutes later, however, as Hernanes smashed a fine 30-yard strike past a helpless Stekelenburg and into the top corner.
Lazio had a golden opportunity to double their lead just after half time when Marquinhos was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot, but Hernanes put the penalty well wide.
© AP Photos
Things went from bad to worse for Hernanes just 10 minutes later when he brought down Miralem Pjanic inside the box to concede the game's second penalty. Francesco Totti stepped up and rolled it into the bottom corner to level the sides.
Lazio's chances of pulling off a derby win took a turn for the worse 20 minutes from time when Giuseppe Biava was shown a red card after a foul on Marquinhos earned him his second yellow in the space of six minutes.
Roma should have taken the lead in the 81st minute when Erik Lamela pulled away from his man at the back post, but he somehow sent his header over the bar when unmarked from two yards out.
Barney Corkhill
