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May 28, 2013

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Lazio defeats Roma to lift the Italian Cup

LAZIO beat bitter city rivals Roma 1-0 to win the Italian Cup on Sunday in Rome and qualify for next season's Europa League.

Senad Lulic scored in the 71st minute at the Stadio Olimpico after goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont failed to clear a cross from Antonio Candreva, leaving the unmarked Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder to put the ball into the net at the far post.

"This victory won't be forgotten," Lulic said. "I found myself there in the right moment. I dedicate this goal to my wife, who is pregnant."

Lazio has now won four of the last five derbies, with the last meeting a 1-1 draw in April. Its sixth Italian Cup title also earned Lazio a spot in next season's Europa League group phase.

Nine fans were arrested for violence following the game, which included clashes near the Colosseum, a window being broken on Roma's bus and an attack on a TV crew.

Also, South Korean rapper PSY was met with boos and small firework explosions during a pre-game performance. Organizers responded by raising the volume while he sang his hit, "Gangnam Style," to drown out the dissent.

Roma started with an attacking 4-2-3-1 lineup featuring Erik Lamela, Francesco Totti and Marquinho behind center forward Mattia Destro. Lazio countered with a 4-5-1 spearheaded by veteran Germany forward Miroslav Klose.

Klose had the first opportunity four minutes in but missed wide.

Totti, Roma's 36-year-old captain, had his club's first chance in the ninth, a bouncing shot that was stopped by Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti near the post.

A minute later, United States midfielder Michael Bradley dribbled free and had a clear look at the target but sent his angled effort wide.

Klose had an even better chance in the 35th but his close-range header was blocked by Lobont.


 

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