The Italian capital’s two clubs go head-to-head for the first time this season on Sunday afternoon.
It has been a while since Rome’s two giants were in such rude health going into the derby, which has whetted the appetite ahead of the 145th derby match between Lazio and Roma.
Hosts Lazio are unbeaten in nine Serie A games under Simone Inzaghi, a run which has taken them to fourth place. They have recorded their highest points total after 14 games for over a decade, and will leapfrog their cross-city rivals with a win at the Stadio Olimpico.
Luciano Spalletti’s Roma are second going into the weekend, four points adrift of league leaders Juventus. They have won six of their last eight league games and in Edin Dzeko they have the division’s joint-top scorer in their ranks.
AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko in action against Atalanta’s Mattia Caldara
The Key Battle – Ciro Immobile vs Federico Fazio
Immobile is enjoying being back in his homeland after ill-fated spells at Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla, and the Italian international has found the net nine times so far this season.
He will be up against former Tottenham defender Fazio, who has settled effectively into the Roma defence since his summer move from White Hart Lane.
Roma’s Federico Fazio celebrates scoring their second goal
Last Meeting:
Roma did the double over their rivals last season, which included a 4-1 thumping in April’s meeting.
Lazio have not won any of the last seven Serie A derbies between the two sides, with their last victory coming back in November 2012.
General View of the Stadio Olimpico – Lazio Stadium
Recent league form – most recent last:
Lazio – DWWDWW
Roma – WWDWLW
What time is kick off?
Lazio v Roma begins at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 2 are showing the Rome derby, with coverage starting at 1.45pm.
Odds
Lazio – 15/8
Draw – 12/5
Roma – 7/5
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