Italy Round 32

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Lazio vs Roma Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Lazio:
Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos

Roma:
Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Soule, Pellegrini; Dovbyk

Lazio will welcome Roma to Stadio Olimpico in another "Derby della Capitale". According to locals, this derby is "much more than just a game." The Roman derby has been the scene of several actions related to the political views of the fan bases. Lazio's ultras often use fascist symbols on their banners and they have displayed racist behavior in several occasions during the derbies. Most notably at a derby of the season 1998/99 when Laziali unfurled a 50-metre banner around the Curva Nord that read, "Auschwitz is your town, the ovens are your houses". With hope that fans from both teams will avoid such provocations, let's put the focus on sports history of the derby.

The first derby was played on 8 December 1929, and finished 1:0 for Roma. The first goalscorer was Rodolfo Volk. Lazio won its first derby almost three years later, on 23 October 1932. The highest victory in a derby was the 5:0 win of Roma during the season 1933/34. However, Lazio holds the record of the most victories in a single season - four during the season 1997/98. The two sides have met twice in Serie A and twice in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. In one occasion the derby was played as a Coppa Italia Final, on 26 May 2013. Lazio won 1:0 thanks to Senad Lulic's goal. Francesco Totti is the all-time top scorer in the Derby della Capitale with 11 goals.

Lazio are sixth with 55 points, meaning they are just two points away from the fourth-placed Bologna and Champions League spot. The fans are disappointed with the inconsistency of their club. The Biancocelesti lost 5:0 to Bologna, then shared the points with Torino, while last week surprised Atalanta in Bergamo. Then, on Thursday they were beaten 2:0 by Norwegian outfit Bodo Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. But there is no time for calculations, coach Marco Baroni must start with the best eleven. On top of that, Lazio players need to give their best in city derby. Baroni has the majority of his players available, only Patric and Nuno Tavares are sidelined.

Roma started the season poor, but play much better since Claudio Ranieri took the team. They are in fantastic form, seven victories and just one draw on the last eight matches in Serie A. The atmosphere in the squad is very good, while the players confidence is high. Roma have no European duty this week, so the players are well rested and fully prepared for the derby. But Ranieri will be without key player Paulo Dybala due to injury. His absence is a huge handicap. Saud Abdulhamid is also out injured, but Alexis Saelemaekers is back after serving a suspension. In Dybala's absence, all eyes will be focus on Artem Dovbyk, who's named Serie A player of the month for March.

Lazio vs Roma Prediction:

According to me, Roma are closer to the victory. There are three reasons for my pick. First, Roma are in excellent form. Ranieri's men have seven victories and just one draw on the last eight matches in Serie A. Second reason is connect with Lazio. The Biancocelesti suffered a 2:0 defeat from Bodo Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. Long trip and painful defeat surely produced fatigue as there's no time for rest. Finally, the third reason is connect with the last mutual games. Roma were better side and won the last two derbies. They beat Lazio 2:0 in January and 1:0 in April last year. I expect a hat-trick for Roma.

Lazio vs Roma Pick: Roma to win @ 2.64 with Pinnacle