What: Italian Serie A
Who: AS Roma vs SS Lazio
When: Sunday 4th March, 2012, at 14:00 UK time
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Not Room for Slip-ups
With seven points separating Roma from third-placed Udinese, the 170th Derby della Capitale could not have come at a better time for the capital side. Indeed, this match may prove to be a milestone in the remaining part of the season. The Giallorossi are in dire need of a win after losing two of their last three Serie A matches, should they want to have any hope of qualifying to next season’s Champions League.
Luis Enrique’s men have endured a disastrous campaign so far by their standards, as Italy’s perennial “runners-up” have found results hard to come by, winning just 11 out of their 25 league games so far. The signs have been better in recent months though, with a 4-0 win over Inter a definite highlight, as Enrique looks to finally be turning the large ship around.
The importance of the derby is well understood and veteran defender Gabriel Heinze is one man who needs no telling of the fact, even if he does admit that victory over Lazio would not suddenly make the season a success.
“This is an important game, no doubt, but it is fair to say that we cannot save our season by just winning this game. We will give the maximum, but more challenges lie ahead after this obstacle”, said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player.
Walking Out
Lazio’s story is a different one to that of their local foes. The Biancoceleste are well placed in Serie A, but were recently dumped out of the Europa League by Spanish side Atletico Madrid, prompting coach Edy Reja to offer his resignation, for the second time this term, which was brushed aside by the club. For the time being, the former Napoli boss looks set to end the current season with the 2009 Coppa Italia champions, however there is certainly turbulence in the camp.
Last weekend’s victory over Fiorentina greatly aided the side in restoring part of their lost confidence. Their current place in the standing is by no means a guarantee, but Lazio are now motivated to face their adversaries, according to Reja.
“The victory over Fiorentina was important. I have an excellent relationship with the president beyond the problems that occurred a few days ago. For me this case is closed. Now we think of Roma, the derby is a game that does not listen to predictions. I hope to have eleven lions on the field because they have very good technical and fast players.”
Recent form
AS Roma:
Siena 1-0 Roma (13/02; Serie A)
Roma 1-0 Parma (19/02; Serie A)
Atalanta 4-1 Roma (26/02; Serie A)
SS Lazio:
Palermo 5-1 Lazio (19/02; Serie A)
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Lazio (23/02; Europa League)
Lazio 1-0 Fiorentina (26/02; Serie A)
Key absences
AS Roma: Nicolas Burdisso (doubt); Pablo Osvaldo (suspended); Marco Cassetti (suspended); Fernando Gago (suspended)
SS Lazio: Abdoulay Konko (doubt); Marius Stankevicius (doubt); Tommaso Rocchi; Stefan Radu (doubt); Stephen Makinwa; Lorik Cana (doubt); Cristian Brocchi; Senad Lulic; Luciano Zauri
Players to watch
AS Roma – Francesco Totti: The return of Roma’s legendary captain could not have come at a better time. Up against Lazio, Totti will be extra motivated, and at 35, will be required to roll back the years in order to prevail in this edition of the Rome derby.
SS Lazio – Miroslav Klose: The German striker is certainly in the running for Serie A bargain of the year following his switch from Bayern Munich last summer. Klose has been a revelation so far in his maiden season outside of his homeland, and as Lazio’s best player this season, has the tools to make it work for his side.
Match Prediction
Lazio hold the upper hand going into this one. They will want to make amends with their ardent fans after being knocked out of Europe. Ever since their 4-0 win over Inter last month, Roma have been really struggling to get results, scoring just three times and conceding six goals in four games. Expect Lazio to come out on top here.
The Rome derby is always fiercely fought. But who is do you think will win in this Roma v Lazio clash? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
