With the Scudetto already a foregone conclusion as reigning champions Juventus cruised to a fourth straight title, the focus has now shifted to the much coveted second place spot. Before, when Serie A enjoyed four places in the Champions League, both second and third place would be guaranteed an automatic entry into Europe's premier tournament, whilst the team who finished in fourth would have to navigate through a potentially tricky play-off.
Well, with that fourth spot now Germany's, Italy now has only three entrants, meaning that whoever finishes in third will have to try their luck at getting in the hard way. Napoli were the latest Italian side to attempt and fail, and the Partenopei were unfortunate not to be able to redeem themselves by winning the Europa League. As such, the race for second will be contested between bitter city rivals Lazio and Roma, and it just so happens that the two capital clubs will be meeting in the second Derby della Capitale of this season to settle things.
As is the case in every other of Europe - let along the world's - leagues, a derby clash is always going to be an eagerly anticipated and bitterly contested affair. In Italy, the Roman derby is by far the most tense encounter, ranked well above the Derby della Madonnina (AC Milan vs. Inter) and the Derby della Mole (Juventus vs. Torino). For fans, there are infinite reasons not to miss out on any rumble between the Giallorossi and the Biancocelesti, but for neutrals, there are some interesting (and controversial) aspects to this game that make it one definitely not to miss - and here are a few of them:
A rich, colourful (and at times, sordid) history
Any derby - whether it be in the same city such as Manchester, London, Turin, or Milan, or across the country such as Le Classique, O Classico, or El Classico - is always one that has quite a bit of background to it. Some go back nearly a hundred years, others are more recent. In the case of the Derby della Capitale, it's more than just a football game - it's a way of life.
Lazio, which was founded on January 9, 1900, had been in existence for 27 years prior to Roma being formed on July 22, 1927. According to local history, the Biancocelesti refused to participate in the merge of three other clubs - Roman, Alba-Audace and Fortitudo - and so began an intense rivalry that first took official form on December 8, 1929 during the 1929/1930 Serie A season. And the first blood was drawn by the Lupi as Rodolfo Volk's second-half goal was enough to give Roma their first ever win in what would be a long series of capital derbies to come.
Given the political tension that has long been simmering between Lazio and Roma, the passion of the players often spills into the fans, with offensive banners being flown by both teams. However, both clubs have repeatedly attempted to distance themselves from their most extreme fans when they take things too far, with Lazio's ultras occupying the "Curva Nord" (Northern end) whilst Roma's take over the "Curva Sud" (Southern end) of the Stadio Olimpico.
Flares, racist banners and other offensive slogans have been an unfortunate part of any game between Lazio and Roma for generations
Drama, drama, and lots of drama
As is the case with any game that two city rivals meet, tensions are always running high. And the Derby della Capitale is no different in this matter. However, any rumble between Lazio and Roma indeed will be one that fans should expect to see the fouls flying in left and right and not surprisingly, the referee will be reaching into his pocket to dish out at least a couple of yellows - and perhaps a red or two.
In the last fifteen derby meetings across all competitions betwen the Lupi and the Aquile, a massive 16 red cards have been issued. This includes second yellows, but of those 16, eight were straight ejections. For now, things appear to have simmered down a bit as in the last two matches concluded as 0-0 and 2-2 stalemates with all 22 men on the pitch. Yet, one should really not be surprised, especially with the pressure of securing automatic Champions League football if someone loses his head and leaves his team with a man - or two - down before the final whistle blows.
Red cards have become par for the course in any game between cross-town rivals Roma and Lazio
A chance to see a legend in action...and another unique celebration, perhaps?
The last edition of the Derby della Capitale concluded as a two-all draw, but were it not for the heroics of one Roma icon, Lazio may have gotten a chance to enjoy their first league win (excluding the 2013 Coppa Italia final) since November 11, 2012 when they defeated the Giallorossi 3-2.
It was none other than talismanic striker Francesco Totti - a Roma lad through and through - who turned back the years to net a second-half brace and secure a vital point for Rudi Garcia's squad. His two goals moved him to 11 in this famous derby, tying him with now-retired Brazilian forward Dino Da Costa, who had nine in the league and two in the cups. Later today, Totti, who set a record in Europe by becoming the Champions League oldest-ever goal-scorer earlier this season, will have a chance to surpass Da Costa should he find the back of the net against familiar opponents Lazio.
And legions Italian football fans will definitely hope he does on what will be his 41st appearance - a record in itself - at the Stadio Olimpico? Why? Last time he scored, he marked his 10th and 11th goals with a selfie and it will be truly interesting what Totti, who has become known for his unique celebrations over the years could do should he net in this derby.
What will he do now? Totti's selfie following his goals against Lazio had calcio fans talking for the next few days
And finally, the last two reasons are really quite simple: bragging rights and European football. As a result of Lazio's consistently great form as opposed to Roma's inconsistent showings, the race for the last automatic Champions League spot has really gone down to the wire as a look at the Serie A table shows:
For Lazio, the last time they beat Roma was during their first - and only to date - Coppa Italia final on May 26, 2013. This season, Stefano Pioli's men were unable to make it two wins in two seasons as they were defeated in extra time by Juventus and what better way for them to bounce back by damaging their city rivals' chances at finishing in second place?
Well, Garcia's side will surely be thinking the same thing - to prevent Lazio from that coveted second-place spot - as they seek their first derby win since September 22, 2013. With more than just pride at stake this time around, fans and Serie A neutrals alike will not want to miss out on what could be one of the most fiery derbies seen in recent times.
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