Roma

Baptista: I'll Be Roma's Derby Hero

Roma striker Julio Baptista admits he is ready to do the business during Sunday's showdown Roman derby...

Nov 15, 2008 9:38:45 AM

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Julio Baptista, Roma (Foto Grazia Neri)

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Julio Baptista

The Giallorossi lock horns with bitter city rivals Lazio on Sunday afternoon and they are desperate for points as they are currently hovering just above the relegation zone.

Baptista can't wait to play in his first Italian derby and, despite it being unknown territory for him, he knows exactly how important a win or indeed, a loss will be.

"I have been involved in many important games in the past and I believe there will be plenty of passion. I can't wait to find out," Baptista told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"It's very important that we win, no point trying to hide it. We have had several injuries, had it happened to Lazio then I don't think they would be where they are now.

"I have scored in derbies before. I did it for Real Madrid against Barcelona and now I am ready to do it here."

The Giallorossi head into the game with a number of problems. The race is on to get both Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi back up to full fitness after both players suffered injury set-backs during training this week.

Alberto Aquilani is looking doubtful but Baptista may start.

Pride as well as points are at stake tomorrow night. Roma can take comfort from the fact that traditionally, the underdogs have always emerged victorious from the Roma derby.

However, Lazio will be hoping to change that belief.

Salvatore Landolina