Although there are numerous derbies in Italian football, none is probably more intense than the Derby della Capitale. Contested between Roma and Lazio, it is more than just a simple football match due to the interesting political history of Italy that has created divisions within the nation's capital. And not surprisingly, given the passion that surrounds this match, violence, riots, and more recently, racist banners have caused its share of trouble at the Stadio Olimpico.
Currently, the Giallorossi and the Biancocelesti are in second and third place respectively and occupy the last two much coveted Champions League spots. And perhaps disconcertingly for Juventus fans, Rudi Garcia's men sit just one point behind the reigning Scudetto champions as the second half of the race for the title gets underway.
A win for Roma coupled with a loss or draw for Juventus in their later clash with Napoli would vault them to the pinnacle of the Serie A charts and could prove to be the springboard for launching an all-out charge in their quest to win their first league title since 2001. However, they will be without key personnel such as
Gervinho and Seydou Keita with the duo away on international duty for this year's African Cup of Nations tournament.
Lazio have looked quite good so far this season and boast one of the stronger attacking sides in the league with 31 goals so far. Yet, with Napoli breathing down their necks and Genoa not too far behind, Stefano Pioli's side will definitely hope to win this match against their bitter city rivals to keep the momentum going towards securing European football for next season.
Unfortunately he will have to make do without Senad Lulic, as reports have now claimed that he is going to be out for at least a month after suffering a knee injury. The versatile Bosnian international is well-known to Lazio fans as his goal in the historic 2013 Coppa Italia final gave his side a win over Roma--which was the first ever meeting between the two sides.
All in all, Roma and Lazio have done well in their last five games and started off 2015 with wins against Udinese and Sampdoria respectively and will have their respective objectives in mind when they take to the pitch. Statistically, the Giallorossi have enjoyed more success, having won 48 versus the Biancocelesti, who have tasted victory in 36 derbies.
However, Francesco Totti and his teammates have only won one of their last six meetings with their capital rival, which was a 2-0 win back in September 2013. And interestingly, in their matches as "guests", Lazio have won just one out their last 16 derbies--a 2-1 victory in March 2012.
Roma and Lazio fans and general Serie A neutrals will definitely want to tune into the latest edition of the Lupi versus the Aquile. Who will come out on top? Tune in to find out.
Roma vs. Lazio team sheets
Roma starting XI: De Sanctis; Maicon, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Florenzi, Totti, Iturbe
Lazio starting XI: Marchetti; Basta, de Vrij, Cana, Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Mauri; Candreva, Djordjevic, Felipe Anderson
Roma bench: Skorupski, Lobont, Somma, Yanga Mbiwa, Cole, Torosidis, Emanuelson, Strootman, Paredes, Ljajic, Destro, Borriello, Verde
Lazio bench: Berisha, Strakosha, Pereirinha, Konko, Novaretti, Cavanda, Ledesma, Onazi, Cataldi, Keita, Klose
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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