Prediction: AS Roma vs Lazio

Verdict: AS Roma

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Serie A football return with a bang from the international break as AS Roma and Lazio prepare to get engaged in another edition of one of Italy’s highly fierce derbies this weekend. The Derby della Capitale arrives at a good time for both sides who have been enjoying some fairly positive spells recently.

AS Roma

As one of Italy’s biggest football clubs AS Roma have struggled to mount a Serie A challenge over the past couple of years despite getting agonizingly close just last year. Led by Luciano Spalletti, the Giallorossi broke the record points total but still ended up behind champions Juventus.

Skepticism spread like plague across the AS Roma’s fanbase with the news of Spalletti’s departure to Inter Milan and – above all – with a word of Eusebio Di Francesco’s appointment. The former Sassuolo boss was deemed unfit to take over the hot helm of one of Italy’s biggest clubs but his good work thus far offers great promise despite the fact AS Roma are sitting fifth in the standings at the moment. Giallorossi have 27 points on their tally and a game in hand over the leading trio – Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli – ahead of the Rome derby. Three points would push them back in contention for the leading spot and Eusebio Di Fancesco is well aware of the pressure and magnitude of the challenge. Five wins on the bounce make a strong case ahead of the Lazio match, although the fact AS Roma are unbeaten in 33 of last 37 home matches in Serie A could be a difference-maker.

Team News

AS Roma have struggled with injuries this season. Di Francesco will have to do without summer signings Rick Karsdorp and Patrik Schick, who are both ruled out through injury.

The nominal hosts in the match will also be without the Brazil defender Bruno Peres. Radja Nainggolan is a doubt due to a muscle issue.

Lazio

If there’s one club people are talking about – and in the most positive tone as well – that that’s definitely Lazio. Simone Inzaghi’s exploits at the helm are widely lauded and praised with young tactician proving that last season’s impressive results were not just a flash in the pan.

Much like their city rivals, Lazio weren’t expected to be anywhere near the Scudetto race this season with both Milan rivals investing great loads of money in new players, yet Lazio are back up there again, fighting for glory with their exciting young side. Nine wins on the trot prove that Lazio are enjoying a fantastic run of form, whereas their away result of six consecutive wins is as impressive. Inzaghi’s side offers pure football delight this season with the likes of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and rejuvenated Italy striker Ciro Immobile hitting the headlines big time thanks to their fantastic performances. The Serbia international is being compared to Paul Pogba and is already one of the hottest commodities in Serie A, whereas the 27-year-old striker Immobile is sitting top of the Serie A scoring chart with 14 goals in 11 matches.

Team News

Dusan Basta is back in contention having recovered from his injury, but midfielder Felipe Anderson is likely to be the most notable absentee due to his muscle injury.

Forward Davide Di Gennaro, goalkeeper Federico Marchetti and defender Wallace are all out of contention.

Key Factors to Consider

• AS Roma are undefeated in 33 of last 37 home matches in Serie A
• Giallorossi have only conceded 7 goals this season, boasting the best defence in the league
• Lazio won their last 6 Serie A matches on the road
• Simone Inzaghi’s men also won their last nine matches in all competitions
• Ciro Immobile is Serie A’s top striker with 14 goals from 11 matches thus far

Conclusion

Derby della Capitale matches are rarely uneventful football affairs and we fully expect this forthcoming one to maintain the entertainment standard. With the total of nine goals scored over the last two meetings between these two sides and the brand of football they both nurture, we fully expect to see goals on both ends of the pitch but will still go for a home win.

Verdict: AS Roma

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: 888sport