Rocchi: Roma better without Totti

(GSM) – Lazio captain Tommaso Rocchi has taken a swipe at his Roma counterpart Francesco Totti, insisting that the team is better without their captain.

Roma captain Totti is suspended for Sunday’s Rome derby against table-topping Lazio after being red-carded last weekend in Roma’s 2-0 victory over Lecce. Rocchi believes that Roma will actually be better without the 34-year-old Roma veteran.

“I respond that we would have been happier to see him on the pitch,” Rocchi said. “Perhaps his absence is an advantage for Roma seeing the results in recent derbies.”

Sunday’s derby is a crucial match for both sides as Lazio are four points clear at the top of Serie A while Roma sit 10 points behind in ninth position.

“Often the team that is better, who seems superior, usually has more to lose,” Rocchi said about the crucial derby at Stadio Olimpico. “Now we must erase everything that we have done up until now and prepare for the game in the best way.

“I am certain that we will play a great game. The level of Roma and Lazio seems equal to me.”

Roma have won four of the last six derbies against Lazio, and each of the last four games has seen at least one player sent off.