AS Roma could climb into a top four at the expense of Lazio as both sets of fans get ready for the 180th Derby della Capitale.
An interesting race for the top-four places is brewing in Serie A, with five teams battling to get into three spots. Those include capital rivals, Lazio and AS Roma. The former, in particular, will focus on the coveted spots as they prepare to host Jose Mourinho’s men.
A midweek elimination from Europe was initially seen as a disappointment for Lazio. However, they can now put all eggs in one basket as Maurizio Sarri will focus on returning to the Champions League. Lazio have put up a big fight, losing just once in their last ten games to move into the third spot.
#AZLazio 🎙️
Mister Sarri in conferenza stampa: "Dopo il gol del pareggio abbiamo smesso di crederci"➡️ https://t.co/XA6DUIxDcL pic.twitter.com/pXfaxP1Fm4
— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 16, 2023
They have also beaten league leaders Napoli and drawn to Bologna in their last two Serie A games. Against Roma, they face a stern test of character and resolve, as they could put themselves in a strong place and firm contention to finish second rather than fighting for a top-four place.
Jose Mourinho will come into this clash brimming with confidence after progression in the Europa League. The Portuguese tactician will sense he has a chance to clinch another European trophy as the draw somewhat favoured Roma heading into the next round.
Considering Lazio bowed out of European competitions in midweek, Mourinho will look to exploit their misery even further. Having suffered a home loss in the reverse fixture, the Portuguese will certainly target revenge against their bitter rivals.
Mourinho has instilled grit into this team, who have not suffered back-to-back defeats since last January. They did get beaten in the last matchday against Sassuolo, something the manager will look to correct. The big task for Roma is to improve their away record against Lazio, as they have been winless here since 2016.
Team News & Tactics
SS Lazio
Ciro Immobile will unlikely play a part in the Derby for Lazio as he remains sidelined with a thigh injury, having missed the midweek clash against AZ. Felipe Anderson should occupy the false-nine role in the absence of the Italian international.
#TrainingSession 📋
Allenamento di ripresa fissato nel pomeriggio➡️ https://t.co/yroO9yktip pic.twitter.com/fzLqfTp9CX
— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 16, 2023
While Anderson remains the joint top Brazilian scorer in Rome derbies, the forward has not scored or assisted in his last seven Serie A matches. Sarri may choose him for lack of alternatives.
Former Roma man Pedro, who still has a visible problem, considering he continues to wear a mask, will take his place in the final third. Mattia Zaccagni will complete the front three for Lazio, who will continue to deploy an attacking formation under Sarri.
Danilo Cataldi will take his place in the base of midfield. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto will play on either side. A back four of Adam Marusic, Nicolo Casale, Alessio Romagnoli and Elseid Hysaj will protect Ivan Provedel’s goal for Lazio.
Probable alineup (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Casale, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Alberto; Pedro, Anderson, Zaccagni
AS Roma
Jose Mourinho will be able to call upon captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who missed the last Serie A game. However, Marash Kumbulla will miss due to the red card he picked up, while Rick Karsdorp suffered a broken nose in midweek, which now requires surgery.
🛬🏋️🐺 pic.twitter.com/mQiTOsdx4S
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) March 17, 2023
Andrea Belotti, still without a Serie A goal this season, will make way for Tammy Abraham to lead the line. Paulo Dybala and Pellegrini will support the English striker in the final third.
Mourinho will continue deploying a back three to stifle Lazio’s potent attacking setup. Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling and Roger Ibanez will form the trio ahead of Rui Patricio in goal.
In midfield, Nemanja Matic should keep his place and will have Bryan Cristante as his partner. Nicola Zalewski remains well-placed to start at right wing-back, while Leonardo Spinazzola will play on the opposite flank for Roma.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristanta, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham
Key Stats
- Lazio are undefeated in their last six home matches against AS Roma in all competitions.
- Lazio have kept a clean sheet in their last four matches in Serie A.
- Lazio could achieve a double over AS Roma for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
- AS Roma have not suffered back-to-back losses in Serie A since January of last year.
- AS Roma last won away at Lazio in 2016.
Player To Watch
Paulo Dybala
Jose Mourinho has instilled grit and integrity in his AS Roma side, who were considered a bit flaky for many years. Yet, they will need more from the players, as the manager needs someone to show character on the pitch to take the club into a top-four finish.
Dybala could be this player that Mourinho needs. The in-demand Argentine has plenty of experience playing in this league at the very top. His experience winning the league is something that Roma lack with their squad, and the attacker needs to show plenty of character to take the Giallorossi beyond the finish line.
Prediction
SS Lazio 0-1 AS Roma
Lazio have not been at their best despite boasting the appropriate attacking talents. Maurizio Sarri has been able to revive their fortunes in the last period or so, but it will take a huge effort to get a win against their bitter rivals.
On the other hand, Roma have made it a habit to attack in transitions and score timely goals. Unlike in previous seasons, they can hold on to slender leads under Jose Mourinho, which might be the case in this much-awaited Derby della Capitale on Sunday. The Hard Tackle predicts Roma to beat Lazio 1-0 on Sunday.
