Baptista settles derby to boost Roma

ROME: Brazilian forward Julio Baptista scored the winner five minutes after the break as AS Roma gave their season a welcome boost with a crucial 1-0 derby victory over 10-man Lazio on Sunday.

Roma began the match only goal difference above the Serie A drop zone after a dreadful start to their season which had seen them win only twice in 10 games.

To make matters worse, their bitter city rivals have been operating at the other end of the table this term and victory would have seen them go third.