'It's as good as it gets!' - Dzeko delighted by derby debut

Roma striker Edin Dzeko feels his first derby against Lazio was "as good as it gets" after he started and scored in a 2-0 victory on Sunday.

The summer arrival from Manchester City won and converted an early penalty after being fouled by Santiago Gentiletti, with Gervinho's second-half strike sealing the win.

Felipe Anderson later hit the crossbar for Lazio but Rudi Garcia's side were able to hang on and stay within a point of the top of Serie A, with Dzeko delighted with his contributions.

"My performance? I am certainly very happy. I played my first derby, I won and I scored," Dzeko told reporters. "It's good as it gets!

"This is a special day. Not just for me, but for all of the players experiencing their first taste of the derby. It was vital to get the win. 

"I think we played very well in the first half and we could have scored a few more goals, while Lazio's only chance that I can remember was the time they hit the bar.

"We certainly started out well and pressed hard because the derby is a special game and we were keen to win it.

"The win is going to be an injection of confidence. After this victory we can keep going, trying to win all the ones after it too. It will not be easy so we will go one game at a time."

Contact on the controversial penalty awarded to him appeared to be made outside the area, and Dzeko admitted he is unsure exactly where the incident took place.

"It was a clear foul but I really don't know if it was inside or just outside the box," the 29-year-old continued.

"The referee decided to give a penalty, so let's respect his decision. As I say, it was definitely a foul."

The victory means Roma have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions, with the Giallorossi next returning to action with an away game against Bologna following the international break.