Montella eyes derby prize

Roma will look to return to winning ways when they take on city rivals Lazio on Sunday.

They were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday after a 3-0 loss at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

It was the first defeat for interim head coach Vincenzo Montella in four matches, and he says he hopes his players approach the match like any other.

“I see my team are calm. I’ve asked my players to face this derby as calmly as they can,” Montella said.

“There will be many implications from tomorrow’s match, but for me it isn’t the most important game.”

“Of course it’s important for both teams for their position in the table and it’s important for us because we have the chance to try to win back our fans.”

“That’s why I expect a warm welcome tomorrow. Roma supporters can be the protagonists and they know how to cheer their players on when they want and that’s my hope for tomorrow.

Roma are sixth in Serie A five points behind their city rivals, who are fourth.

Lazio head coach Edy Reja said a positive attitude was the key to the match.

Reja’s side have had the better of their arch nemesis this season, with Lazio currently two spot ahead of Roma on the Serie A table in fourth position.

But despite their good form, they have not beaten Roma in their last four attempts, and Reja said they must believe in themselves if they are to win the three points on Sunday.

“We need to go on the pitch with the right determination and be convinced we can win the game,” Reja said.

“We’ve always had this attitude, with care and intelligence and taking into consideration Roma’s qualities.”

“They will do their best because they know it will be essential for them to win, if they want to have some hope of getting into the Champions League next year. Our aim will be not to let them do it.”