Lazio vs Roma: How to watch the Derby della Capitale in 196 countries on Jan 15

Topics: TV Schedules, Lazio, Roma, Serie A

Bitter rivals Lazio and Roma will lock horns in the first Derby della Capitale of the season this Friday. Check out Live Soccer TV's preview for detailed broadcast listings, key match stats, and team news for Lazio vs Roma.

Preview: Lazio vs Roma

The 153rd Derby della Capitale will get underway on Friday evening, and it's already making history before the kick-off. For starters, this will be the first clash between bitter rivals Lazio and Roma that is held on a Friday. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will also unfortunately be the first derby that will have to be played behind closed doors.

Both teams come into this match in solid form since the New Year commenced. Lazio, who ended 2020 with a 3-2 defeat to league leaders AC Milan, have since rebounded, and are presently on a three game unbeaten streak. That includes back to back wins against Parma and Fiorentina, but they will be ruing their missed chances as they dropped two points in a draw with Genoa. At the moment, the Aquile find themselves in eighth spot, but certainly are not out of the running for a European football berth as they're only three points behind fifth-placed Atalanta and sixth-placed Napoli.

Simone Inzaghi's, however, six points behind Roma, but could certainly close that gap with a vital win in this tie, where they haven't lost in just over two years. Moreover, as the "home" team, Lazio have not been on the losing end of the score-line since December 2016. That being said, whereas Lazio had a very strong campaign last season, this time around, the pressure of featuring in multiple competitions - namely the Champions League - has taken its toll on the squad. By contrast, Roma, who struggled for consistency last term, have been flying high this time around, and there are some who consider Paulo Fonesca's side as potential dark horse contenders for the Scudetto.

The Giallorossi come into this tie unbeaten in their last four games, and most recently battled to a draw with Inter. They are also the first team to nick points off leaders Milan by earning another point in an entertaining three-all draw, but will be determined to win this fixture as they have yet to beat any of the big teams this season. To date, the Lupi have recorded three draws (against Milan, Juventus, and Inter) and suffered a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Napoli, so victory here would naturally help them strengthen their claim as serious Scudetto contenders.

Team news: Lazio vs Roma

Lazio: Skipper Senad Lulic has recovered from injury and has thus been included in Inzaghi's 24-man squad for this upcoming match. However, the Biancocelesti look set to miss winger Mohamed Fares, albeit Joaquin Correra looks set to return to action this Friday. Meanwhile, Thomas Strakosha remains on the sidelines with a thigh injury, which will give veteran shot-stopper Pepe Reina another chance to feature in between the sticks.

Roma: Antonio Mirante, Davide Santon, Federico Fazio, Riccardo Calafiori, and Niccolo Zainolo are definitely out, while Pedro will have to be evaluated to see if he can be involved in this match. With Mirante out, back-up option Pau Lopez, who has had his struggles this season, will be tasked with trying to keep Ciro Immobile and his teammates at bay.

Match facts: Lazio vs Roma

This will be the first Derby della Capitale ever played behind closed doors
In addition, both teams will be fielding Spanish goalkeepers in the starting XI - something that has never happened in this tie's history - with Pepe Reina for Lazio and Pau Lopez for Roma
It's also the first ever Derby della Capitale played on a Friday
Roma have won this clash 54 times (in the league). Lazio, by contrast have won on 38 occasions.