Lazio president Claudio Lotito has praised AS Roma captain Daniele De Rossi for recent comments.

Lazio ran out comprehensive 3-0 winners against Roma earlier in the month, and Lotito singled out De Rossi for the 'respect' he showed his arch-rivals.

“The important thing is to give everyone the chance to express themselves with respect," he told reporters.

“I appreciated De Rossi's behaviour after the derby, when he said Lazio showed themselves to be better than Roma and that it wasn't the Lazio of the Filippini brothers but the best one since the days of Veron.

“I appreciated that and thanked him. When values are there, opponents are to be respected.

“Today, unfortunately, we live in a society where material things matter most, but values must be respected.

“We must succeed, with players who set examples, in transmitting to young people that sport isn't only tied to victory."