A significantly altered Derby della Capitale is anticipated to transpire on Saturday evening, featuring the clash between Serie A powerhouses Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Following their scoreless draw in the previous fixture held in November, along with a subsequent triumph for the Biancocelesti in the Coppa Italia, both clubs have undergone managerial changes. Additionally, the prospect of European qualification remains a tangible objective for these two rival teams hailing from the Eternal City.
Match preview
The upcoming fixture marks the 183rd installment of the Rome derby across various competitions. Since the inaugural official encounter between Roma and Lazio in December 1929, a plethora of controversies and incidents have ensued, sparking heated debates not only within the Italian capital but also beyond its borders.
Recent encounters have seen Roma facing unfavorable outcomes against their arch-rivals. The defeat in January’s Coppa Italia match served as a tipping point for the concerned board, leading to the dismissal of the contentious figure of Jose Mourinho.
Initially poised for a mediocre league position, Roma has significantly improved its standing, currently occupying the fifth position after a somewhat disappointing goalless draw against Lecce in their previous fixture.
Under the guidance of returning club icon Daniele De Rossi, Roma is vying for a coveted top-four finish. Despite dropping points in their recent match against Lecce, the team’s undefeated streak in Serie A has extended to six matches. Notably, Roma has suffered only one defeat in their last ten league fixtures under De Rossi’s management, accumulating 23 points in the process. This achievement ranks them among the top-performing coaches of the Giallorossi in the current century.
Scheduled to face AC Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals, Roma anticipates an intense encounter in the first leg of the all-Italian clash at San Siro. With a strong home record this season, boasting ten wins in 15 league matches, Roma aims to capitalize on their home advantage.
However, Roma’s recent struggles against Lazio, failing to score in their last four meetings, pose a significant challenge. Lazio, having won three and drawn one of their recent encounters, aims to extend their unbeaten streak in the derby to five matches for the first time since 2013.
Despite the absence of Mourinho and the recent departure of Maurizio Sarri, Saturday’s match promises to be fiercely contested, given the disciplinary records of both teams. Lazio and Roma rank among the top three in Serie A for cards received this season, indicating a potentially volatile atmosphere.
Under new manager Igor Tudor, Lazio seeks redemption following a mixed campaign. Despite a morale-boosting victory against former club Juventus, Lazio’s aspirations were dampened by a Coppa Italia defeat to the same opponent. Currently seventh in the standings, Lazio trails Roma by six points and aims to salvage their league campaign.
While Roma boasts prolific goal scorers such as Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala, Lazio has struggled in front of goal this season, highlighting their need for improvement. Nonetheless, with the unpredictability of football, a solitary moment of brilliance could sway the outcome in the upcoming Derby della Capitale.
Team News
Roma’s captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini, returns from suspension just in time for the derby, poised to reclaim his position in midfield. Alongside him, it is anticipated that Leandro Paredes and Bryan Cristante will compose the Giallorossi’s central midfield.
Paulo Dybala has successfully recuperated from his recent injury setback and, following a brief appearance in the match against Lecce, is expected to initiate the offensive trio alongside Romelu Lukaku and Stephan El Shaarawy. Throughout the current season, Dybala has maintained an impressive record of direct involvement in a goal every 80 minutes. However, despite netting seven times in his initial 10 league fixtures against Lazio, he has remained goalless in the subsequent seven encounters.
In defensive arrangements, Evan Ndicka’s absence due to a one-match suspension necessitates either Diego Llorente or Dean Huijsen to step in as potential replacements. Additionally, Rasmus Kristensen continues to be sidelined due to a thigh injury.
On the Lazio front, the absence of Mattia Zaccagni, who departed early in Tuesday’s Coppa Italia fixture due to injury, will be keenly felt. While Gustav Isaksen filled the void during that match, former Roma striker Pedro stands as a seasoned alternative for manager Igor Tudor, eager to make an impact against his former club.
Primary goalkeeper Ivan Provedel remains sidelined with an ankle issue, alongside Manuel Lazzari nursing a calf injury and Nicolo Rovella dealing with a groin problem, casting doubt over their availability for Saturday’s fixture.
As for the forward line, Ciro Immobile, Lazio’s captain, is set to secure his spot ahead of Taty Castellanos. While Immobile has registered four Serie A goals against Roma to date, his most recent contribution came back in January 2021.
Roma possible starting lineup:
Svilar; Karsdorp, Mancini, Llorente, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy
Lazio possible starting lineup:
Mandas; Casale, Romagnoli, Gila; Marusic, Guendouzi, Cataldi, Pellegrini; Alberto, Anderson; Immobile