Roma Women play their last league game of the season on Saturday, when they make the short trip to face relegated rivals Lazio.
It has been a successful season for the Giallorosse, who have qualified for the Women’s Champions League for the first time, with one game to spare.
Hence, there is no pressure on for their last game in terms of the standings. But with it being a derby, it will be a good occasion anyway.
Lazio have been relegated already, going straight back down to Serie B one year after promotion. Winless in their last three, whereas Roma have won their last five in all competitions, it is clear to see who the form book favours.
There is a cup final on the horizon for Roma after this one, so it will be interesting to see where their focus lies. But this is a derby and they will want to end their most successful ever league season on a high note.
Back in December, Roma won the first ever women’s derby 3-2. On that occasion, they went two up before being pegged back, until Benedetta Glionna (unavailable this time, are are the likes of Emilie Haavi, Alice Corelli and long-term absentee Claudia Ciccotti) scored the winner.
One player hoping to be on the scoresheet this time will be Paloma Lazaro. If she does get a goal, she will be the first ever Roma Women player to score in five consecutive league games.
Captain Elisa Bartoli, who was only a late substitute for the first derby, could also be up for it. A goal for her childhood team against their closest rivals would represent the first time she would have scored in three consecutive matches for the club.
For now, Roma will start from zero. But they will be hoping to build up an advantage on what should be a day of celebration, right on the doorstep of their neighbours.
The game kicks off at 11:30am UK time.
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