Everyone loves a good derby. The Rome derby, or Derby Della Capitale as it is called is no difference. With 157 0fficial fixtures having already been played, number 158 promises to be as entertaining as most. The derby was started in 1929, after Benito Mussolini wanted a powerful fascist football club. Thus, Lazio rose from the ranks of the provinciale to challenge Roma for bragging rights in the city. The political connotations have not entirely gone away either, as Lazio Ultras still embody right wing political ideologies, while Roma stays more to the left. Famously, former Lazio enigma Paolo Di Canio gave a fascist salute to the Ultras on more than one occassion during derby's in the mid-2000s. Historically, Roma have been the much better side registering 57 victories to Lazio's 42. The two sides have drawn 58 times.
Roma
Roma fans have cause for celebration this weekend regardless of the outcome, as captain, bandiera, and Roman citizen Francesco Totti recently put pen to paper on a new two year contract tying him to the club through 2016. This on the back of an impressive start for the club as they are one of only two sides to maintain a perfect record thus far collecting 9/9 points. While recent history is against them, they are 0-1-4 in their last five against Lazio, the side is coming together very nicely under Garcia, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
I would be justified by putting any of the forward 6 listed below under a "players to look" section, but that would be too easy. All are having fantastic seasons, but none perhaps so influential as Totti himself. The 37 year old seems to have found the fountain of youth, as there has even been talk of him resuming play with La Nazionale. Alessandro Florenzi is of the same mold on the other end of the spectrum. The 22 year old is Roman born as well, undoubtedly the future of the club, and has been playing inspired football to start the season. In what may be the biggest match he has featured in to date, all eyes will be on the youngster to see how he reacts. Lastly Vasilas Torosidis is one of two options to replace Balzaretti at left back, Brazilian Dodo is the other. Regardless, whoever starts will have his hands full trying to contain Alvaro Gonzalez and Antonio Candreva.
Expected line-up:
De Sanctis
Maicon - Castan - Benatia - Torosidis
Pjanic – De Rossi - Strootman
Florenzi - Totti - Ljajic
Lazio
Lazio have the misfortune of a thursday Europa league fixture to wear down their players, and an injury bug the Milan Lab would be proud of. The Laziali will be without Stefan Radu, Lucas Biglia, Bruno Pereirinha and Giuseppe Biava, who have all been deemed unfit to participate. That aside, the biancoceleste have also enjoyed a positive start to the season with their lone occasion of dropped points coming against Juventus. Last week saw an impressive 3-0 trouncing of Chievo before a mid-week Europa League victory. Petkovic's side will be looking to replicate this form on Sunday, and are in the position to do just that.
Antonio Candreva has been on a scintillating run of form dating back to the Confederations Cup over the summer, and there is no reason to expect that to slow down. The Italian opened the scoring last week, and will be looking to do the same tonight. Eddy Onazi is not a guarantee to start, it could still go to Christian Ledesma, but the former has looked superb in recent weeks, and should get the nod. Senad Lulic will be integral to any success Lazio can find as well, not only in battling Maicon on the left flank, but getting forward in attack as well.
Expected line-up:
Marchetti
Cavanda - Cana - Ciani - Konko
Gonzalez - Onazi - Hernanes - Lulic
Candreva
Klose
Prediction
Being a derby, I probably don't have to tell you that form, standings, and prior knowledge get kicked to the curb when these two sides take the pitch. Neither side really has placed themselves above the other so far to start the season, as both have looked impressive. Because of this, and intensity with which the match will be played, I am expecting a scoreline somewhere around 1-1. As dangerous as both sides are going forward, the battle will be won in the middle of the pitch, and it will not be easy.