Lazio ended a run of seven matches without a league win by claiming a narrow 2-1 win over table leaders Inter Milan.

Apart from upsetting the top of the table, they have also recovered in the winning mentality that seemed lost for quite a while. It had sparked rumours about manager Stefano Pioli losing his job. After the recent success against Inter, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has come out in support of the manager by claiming that Pioli has instilled a winning mentality in the dressing room that will be difficult to take away from the players.

Candreva was a crucial element in the win after he opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Lazio were pegged back when the home team equalised through the brilliant Icardi in the 61st minute. However,Candreva brace on the evening sent Lazio home with all three points while also lifting a huge pressure off the shoulders of manager Pioli. The game witnessed a late issue when Felipe Melo and Milinković-Savić were sent off for each team due to disciplinary issues. However, the away team did not bother and held on for an important victory.

Lazio’s last victory in the league was back in October when a 3-0 success over Torino was achieved. It seems quite a long time ago.“We are a team that is tactically prepared. The coach has created a winning mentality.Playing in Rome is something special, the city is very beautiful and the atmosphere is special.Fans make it more pleasant, but not when things are bad.The Rome derby is an important match for me and it is for our fans. When we won the derby in the Coppa Italia final [in 2013] it was a very special moment,” said the midfielder, who has made only five appearances in the league this season.