Prediction: Lazio vs Roma

Verdict: Roma

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: bet365

Derby Della Capitale takes the stage this weekend in the Serie A as Lazio prepare to welcome their fierce city rivals Roma in a match that carries much more than just historic value. Both Biancocelesti and Giallorossi are fighting for a place in the Champions League.

Lazio

Sitting in sixth place in the standings and as many points adrift of their city rivals in fifth, Lazio face a daunting task of claiming the Champions League berth this season. They do, however, have a game in hand after their match against Udinese was postponed due to a congested schedule.

Simone Inzaghi’s men missed out on Europe’s elite club competition by an inch last year and it would be tragic for this talented squad to see the scenario repeat itself. Biancocelesti now have a great chance to cut the gap behind their local rivals and get closer to fourth place – currently occupied by in-form Milan. It will be easier said than done knowing that Lazio struggled for form recently. They won only three of their 10 matches in all competition since the winter break and furthermore suffered a Europa League elimination at the hands of Sevilla. On the bright side, the European exit will allow them to focus solely on the domestic front where no less than seven teams are still dreaming of international football.

Team News

Brazilian star Wallace is struggling with a muscle injury and will not be able to help his teammates in the derby.

Valon Berisha is suffering from a calf injury while Jordan Lukaku is still coping with a knee injury which means the pair is likely to miss the Roma showdown.

Roma

Having struggled to find their form at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign, Roma are currently enjoying quite a positive stretch. With four wins from last five matches and only one defeat in last 12 Serie A fixtures, Roma are pushing up on the standings and sit one point behind fourth-placed Milan.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s men will be keen to maintain the momentum and build on their fine form. Giallorossi will be feeling pretty confident heading into the game against the below-par Lazio even more so knowing they are unbeaten in last three meetings with the city rivals. During the course of the last six years, Lazio managed only three wins against Roma which is quite indicative. Giallorossi have enjoyed a fine goalscoring spell recently with one of football’s special talents – Nocolo Zaniolo – leading the line. The Italian youngster is thriving on the right-hand side of Roma’s 4-3-3 and his constant bursts forward have seen his grab three goals and two assists in last eight Serie A matches.

Team News

Injuries will not help Roma’s cause as Rick Karsdorp, Kostas Manolas, Patrik Schick and Cengiz Under all remain unavailable – or under a huge doubt – for the forthcoming match.

Key Factors to Consider

• Lazio are winless in their last four matches in all competitions
• Biancocelesti scored only 2 goals in their last 5 games
• Roma won four matches on the trot ahead of the Rome derby
• Giallorossi won two of last three meetings with Biancocelesti
• There has only been 1 draw in last 10 Derbies Della Capitale

Conclusion

Roma head into the Derby Della Capitale on the back of a fine form and with great hope they will be able to extend their positive record against Lazio. Biancocelesti have struggled in front of goal lately which resulted in a staggering decline in both form and results, which is why we don’t see them capable of avoiding defeat.

Verdict: Roma

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: bet365