Roma´s Rosi blames Lavezzi for clash

Roma defender Aleandro Rosi has blamed Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi for elbowing him in Saturday’s Serie A match.

The Naples outfit took all three points from the Stadio Olimpico after Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani bagged a double, but the clash between Rosi and Lavezzi stole the headlines.

The two clashed in an off-the-ball incident, with Rosi spotted on camera spitting at Lavezzi.

But the 23-year-old blames the Napoli player for the incident, insisting he elbowed him first.

“We spat at each other, but he elbowed me first,” Rosi said after the match.

“Lavezzi elbowed me when we were off the ball and from there it all escalated. He got angry and so did I. The referee didn’t spot it, as he was very sneaky to elbow me like that and he knows it.”

“Now don’t go blaming it all on me. Lavezzi was irritable from the start, he provoked me, elbowed me in the stomach and from that moment we got into a row.”

Rosi admitted spitting towards Lavezzi but maintained the incident would not have occurred if it were not for Lavezzi’s unsportsmanlike conduct.

“I spat in his general direction, but I did not get him in the face. I accept advice from those who tell me not to react that way, but he elbowed me first and it all started from there.”

While a ban could be expected for the two players, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is confident both players will not be punished from video replays.

De Laurentiis said because the players were cautioned, no further action can be taken, and defended Lavezzi, claiming he was provoked.

“Lavezzi was provoked and even explained to the referee how things went,” De Laurentiis said.

“Besides, he cannot be penalised using video evidence because the referee booked them both during the game. The official made his decision and sanctioned the behaviour on the field, therefore the rules on video evidence do not apply here.”

De Laurentiis was also asked if the victory had seen Napoli eliminate a rival from the title race, but the president did not agree.

“Roma are not our rivals. We are the third biggest club in Italy in terms of average attendances and have more fans overseas than they do.”