A rivalry resumes when Roma take on Lazio in the second and final Derby Della Capitale of the season on Sunday.
After the reverse fixture in September ended as a 3-2 defeat for Roma, there is a chance to restore pride – but there is more at stake than just local bragging rights.
Just one point separates the two rivals going into the tie, meaning Roma would overtake their rivals – who began the weekend in fifth place – with a win.
As always, they will have to fight to get it. Going into the game on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run in the league, the target is to keep up the positive form – although this game will be the most hostile of the year yet.
Roma have a full squad, with the exception of Leonardo Spinazzola, available for it. Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini will be able to lead his hometown team despite suffering with a fever recently.
There were no other hints of team news, although reports have tipped Stephan El Shaarawy to be in contention for a start after an impactful appearance off the bench against Vitesse on Thursday.
Derby Della Capitale content
Lazio 1-5 Roma – Retrospective ratings for a derby made unique by Montella and Totti
Five great Roma goals in the Derby Della Capitale
Ten players who scored in their first Rome Derby appearance
For Lazio, there are some unavailable players – namely the suspended Mattia Zaccagni and the injured Stefan Radu. One man who will be to keep an eye on, though, is former Roma forward Pedro, who scored for both clubs in derbies in 2021.
The target for Roma now is to assert their superiority over their neighbours again. There have been mixed results from big games this season, but they do not come much bigger than this. It is time to show what the team is made of.
The derby kicks off at 5pm UK time. It will be live on BT Sport 2.
Get in the mood for matchday by learning these AS Roma chants.
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