The two Serie A top-four contenders meet on Sunday when third-placed Lazio host fifth-placed Roma at the Stadio Olimpico from 17:00.
This hotly contested Roman derby will have big implications for both sides as they look to qualify for next season’s Champions League thanks to a top four finish in Serie A.
With two points separating these fierce rivals, this match will be crucial for both teams as the run gathers steam.
Key highlights
Lazio’s unbeaten run
Maurizio Sarri’s men have won their last four matches without defeat, including a three-match winning streak that was reversed last weekend when Lazio were held to a 0-0 stalemate in Bologna.
Sarri and his charges responded to a stunning 0-2 home defeat against Atalanta with three consecutive wins over Salernitana (0-2), Sampdoria (1-0) and Napoli (0-1).
Lazio will look to capitalize on this form and build momentum in Sunday’s derby against Roma, with three points vital to Serie A’s top-four status.
Hot and cold form of Roma
Jose Mourinho’s Roma are just two points behind third-placed Lazio and just one point behind fourth-placed AC Milan. They will be looking for a win to move into the top four on Sunday as the back-to-back Serie A race gathers steam.
Roma have won just twice in their last five matches. They lost twice and had one draw. They scored 8 points out of 15.
Jose Mourinho and his charges will therefore be looking to rekindle their winning form when they take on their fierce rivals. Mourinho will especially be looking to reverse the 3-4 result his team suffered at home to Sassuolo last Sunday.
Injury report
Lazio
Maurizio Sarri will be without centre-forward Ciro Immobile for Sunday’s derby. The Italian footballer has suffered a biceps muscle injury since March 5, 2023. The 33-year-old footballer has already missed 3 matches for Lazio and is unlikely to be available for the derby.
Lazio will also be without right-back Elseid Hisa for Sunday’s match. The 29-year-old fullback has been sidelined since March 11, 2023 with an ankle injury. Hisay has missed two of Sarri’s men’s matches and is unlikely to be available for Sunday’s derby.
Lazio will also be without central midfielder Matias Vecino, who is suspended until March 20, 2023.
Rome
Jose Mourinho will be without defensive midfielder Ebrima Darbo, who is undergoing cruciate ligament surgery. The 21-year-old has been unavailable for selection since July 21, 2022.
Roma will also be without right winger Ola Solbakken. The 24-year-old has been sidelined with a muscle injury and is unavailable for selection from March 4, 2023.
Center forward Diego Llorente is also unavailable from March 9, 2023 with issues limiting his participation.
Roma will also be without defender Marash Kumbulla until April 3, 2023.
Possible lineups
Lazio
I. Providel; L. Pellegrini, A. Ramagnoli, Patrick, A. Marusich; L. Alberto: D. Cataldi, S. Minkovich-Savich; M. Zaccagni, Pedro, F. Anderson
Rome
R. Patricio; R. Ibanez, C. Smalling, R. Karsdorp; N. Zalevsky, E. Bove, N. Matich, L. Spinazzola; G. Wijnaldum, II Faraone; T. Abraham
Prediction
“Lazio” will try to put pressure on “Roma” going up the pitch. They will press the field with a high line, try to control the ball, dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities.
Roman will be compact and firm in his approach. They will attack mainly during the counterattack.
Roma will win that game and strengthen their chances of finishing in the top four of Serie A.
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