Serie A Preview: Roma - Lazio

The Lupi are nearing fourth as they prepare to take on a wounded Aquile...

Dec 4, 2009 9:02:53 AM

More On :  Lazio, Roma, Roma vs Lazio
Totti-Zarate Medley (Grazia Neri)
Kick-Off: Sunday, December 6, 20:45 CET, Stadio Olimpico, Roma

Giallorossi Getting Into Gear

After turning around a first half deficit against Atalanta to come away with a precious victory in Bergamo last weekend, Roma’s confidence seems to be back to its best as fourth place nears ever closer. By sealing their passage into the last 32 of the Europa League following the 2-1 victory over Basel on Thursday evening, it now seems coach Claudio Ranieri has got the Maggica going again as they look to recover from a sluggish start to the campaign.
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With their local rivals in turmoil following a torrid few months, the Giallorossi seem in confident mood ahead of the Stracittadina. As he looks to tempt fate following his public declarations over the ability of Mauro Zarate, it seems Lupi captain Francesco Totti is sure of leading his side to victory as he continues to enjoy a superb return to form.

Given the vicinity of fourth placed Sampdoria, Roma now have a golden chance to make another leap in the standings. With Parma and Genoa also going head-to-head this weekend, Ranieri’s men will be aware that a nothing less than a victory will do if they are to make ground on the top four. After failing to take advantage of similar opportunities in the past, the Lupi must be careful not to underestimate the Aquile however, if they want to avoid waking up from a derby hangover on Monday morning.

Down And Out

After another disappointing performance at home to fellow strugglers Bologna last weekend, Lazio’s winless run stretches to a massive 12 games. To add further insult to injury Davide Ballardini’s side were knocked out of Europe just three days later as they limped away from Austria following the 2-1 defeat to Salzburg.

As the Biancocelesti prepare for the capital’s most intensely felt game of the Serie A calendar, the tension between the club and its fans is once again at breaking point. With the Curva Nord faithful fearing the worst as their side sits on the brink of the drop zone, the fans are looking for a reaction as they continue to sustain their team in peril.

Given Lazio’s history against the Lupi in equally similar circumstances, the history book certainly favours the Formello outfit who are in desperate need of a victory to steady the sinking ship. However, with former derby mastermind Delio Rossi moving on from the club during the summer, it remains to be seen whether coach Ballardini has the tactical nous to devise of Roman downfall. Should the Aquile suffer another defeat on Sunday it could spell the end for the Ravenna born tactician.


FORM GUIDE

Roma

December 3 v Basel (H) – WON 2-1 (Europa League)
November 29 v Atalanta (A) – WON 2-1 (Serie A)
November 21 v Bari (H) – WON 3-1 (Serie A)
November 8 v Inter (A) – DREW 1-1 (Serie A)
November 5 v Fulham (H) – WON 2-1 (Europa League)

Lazio

December 2 v Red Bull Salzburg (A) LOST 2-1 (Europa League)
November 29 v Bologna (H) – DREW 0-0 (Serie A)
November 22 v Napoli (A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)
November 8 v Milan (H) – LOST 2-1 (Serie A)
November 5 v Villarreal (A) – LOST 4-1 (Europa League)

TEAM NEWS

Roma

Ranieri has almost everyone at his disposal following the midweek victory over Basel. Daniele De Rossi is set to return in the middle following his recent injury, whilst Francesco Totti will spear the line in attack.

Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Julio Sergio; Riise, Juan, Mexes, Motta; Pizzaro, De Rossi; Vucinic, Menez, Perrotta; Totti

Lazio

Ballardini is set to recover Roberto Baronio and Francelino Matuzalem who have both been battling to overcome muscle complaints during the week. Julio Cruz is the only major absentee as he sits out the second of his three match suspension.

Probable Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Muslera, Radu, Stendardo, Diakite; Kolarov, Baronio, Brocchi, Lichtsteiner; Matuzalem; Zarate; Rocchi


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Francesco Totti (Roma)

‘Er Pupone’ has been on fine form of late inspiring the Lupi to climb up the standings despite their sluggish start to the campaign. After making some provocative comments towards the Biancocelesti during his new website’s official launch, ‘Il Capitano’ will want to make sure he isn’t made to eat his words as he looks to pile further misery on an already desperate Lazio outfit.

Mauro Zarate (Lazio)

After having come under fire recently from his own president for his lack of goals this season, the Argentine will be looking to silence his doubters in Lazio’s biggest clash of the calendar. With Francesco Totti once again declaring ‘Maurito’ is not a champion during a midweek interview, ‘The Zarate Kid’ will be fired up to have the last laugh with another derby strike that sends shockwaves right through the Curva Sud.


PREDICTION

Given the unpredictability of the Stracittadina it is almost impossible to predict how the derby will pan out on Sunday evening. Looking at both side’s recent form Roma look the favourites on paper but such a status has often come to haunt them in the past. Without in a victory in over three months, it is surely only a matter of time before Lazio break their duck.

Roma 1-1 Lazio

Stefano Federici, Goal.com
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