The fixture already had a lot riding on it for Inter as they could cut the deficit on Juventus at the top to just three points with a win.
It took just 15 minutes for De Vrij to put them ahead at the Olimpico – and make top-flight history.
Not only was his header the 500th goal scored in Roma-Inter matches played in Serie A and its predecessors, but it also ensured the fixture was the most prolific of its kind.
The match ended 2-2 and was so fought until the end and Roma missed chance to get three points despite leading for most of second half.