Italian football fans are in for a treat as Lazio and Roma renew their fierce rivalry in the latest installment of the Derby della Capitale. The two sides, traditionally among Serie A’s powerhouses, find themselves in unexpected positions on the league table as they aim to rediscover their winning ways.
Lazio, last season’s Serie A runners-up, currently languish in tenth place after a promising three-game winning streak was abruptly halted by a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bologna last week. Maurizio Sarri, Lazio’s manager, will be eager to dismiss the setback as a minor blip in their form, especially after securing a midweek UEFA Champions League victory over Feyenoord. Notably, Lazio’s last three outings have all ended in 1-0 victories for the home side (W2, L1), a trend that gains added significance considering the identical scoreline in the last two Derby della Capitale clashes, both in Lazio’s favor.
Roma, sitting one point above their neighbors, are not in the ideal position either. José Mourinho’s men suffered a 2-0 defeat at Slavia Prague in the Europa Conference League, leaving the manager visibly frustrated post-match. Despite the setback, Roma had built momentum with five consecutive victories before their recent dip in form. Travel fatigue might be a concern for Roma, having played a midweek fixture, but Mourinho’s determination to erase the bitter taste of defeat could fuel his squad in this crucial derby clash.
The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intensity. Lazio has dominated the recent H2H encounters, with the last two Derby della Capitale matches ending 1-0 in their favor. Felipe Anderson, who settled the score in the first clash last season, remains a key player for Lazio, contributing the most goal involvements in their squad (G1, A4). Meanwhile, Roma’s top scorer, Romelu Lukaku, will be eager to bounce back after failing to find the net in the Europa League.
Interestingly, recent history suggests a defensive trend in this fixture, with five of the last six H2Hs witnessing only one side scoring. As the stage is set for another chapter in this historic rivalry, fans can expect a fiercely contested match with both teams eager to secure bragging rights in the eternal city. The Derby della Capitale promises drama, intensity, and a captivating battle between two teams seeking redemption and a return to winning ways.
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