Lazio moved three points clear at the top of Serie A after overcoming Parma 2-1 in a closely contested match in Rome.

The victory extended Lazio’s dominant record against Parma in the Italian top flight to only one defeat in their past 17 meetings, alongside 12 wins and four draws.

Gennaro Gattuso had already made history by becoming Lazio’s first manager to win six of his opening seven Serie A matches, with the other game ending in a draw. He looked likely to continue that impressive start against a Parma side struggling for form, although the visitors began the match with greater confidence.

David Romero forced a low shot that was saved by Christos Mandas before Mariano Troilo headed wide from close range. Lazio gradually settled and began to create opportunities of their own, with Davide Frattesi appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty and Gustav Isaksen heading against the crossbar from eight yards.

Lazio had not conceded a league goal before half-time this season, but they were fortunate to maintain that record when Enrico Delprato fired wide from a promising position inside the penalty area shortly before the half-hour mark.

Parma’s inability to make their chances count almost proved costly in the 41st minute. Tijjani Noslin produced an excellent pass for Isaksen to finish, but the goal was ruled out by VAR because the Denmark international was offside.

The hosts continued to press before the break, but Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi kept them out by making a strong save from Kenneth Taylor’s powerful effort from the edge of the box.

Lazio finally found a way through five minutes after the restart. Taylor collected a loose ball 25 yards from goal and sent a superb finish into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season.

The opener settled the home side, who soon threatened to add another. Frattesi went close before Mattia Zaccagni also came close to extending Lazio’s lead.

A second goal arrived soon afterwards. Nuno Tavares delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, and Diego Carlos inadvertently diverted it into his own net.

With a two-goal advantage, Gattuso began to manage the closing stages by withdrawing several important players. Substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru curled an attempt over the crossbar, while Frattesi missed another excellent opportunity after being found by Manuel Lazzari.

Parma gave themselves hope in the closing minutes when Simone Lontani’s cross looped over Mandas and into the far corner. Lazio held on, however, to record their fourth home league victory in five matches.

The result leaves Lazio three points ahead at the Serie A summit before Inter’s meeting with Fiorentina on Sunday. Parma, meanwhile, suffered a sixth consecutive away defeat in the top flight, a sequence they have experienced only four times in their history.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Kenneth Taylor (Lazio)