GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Once again, a significant match awaits Roma following their return from an international break.
Last time Napoli were the opponents as Roma came back to league matters, and this time an even more meaningful game will be the subject of the squad’s attention: the derby against Lazio. Games against Lazio are always meaningful and played at a high intensity, and Saturday’s encounter will be no different. The two rivals are both in great form as they approach the fixture - Roma have won eight of their last ten games, whilst Lazio are on a nine-game winning streak, including a 2-1 win at Juventus. Neither will want to sacrifice their excellent records against their long-standing enemies. Tactically, it should be a case of 4-3-3 against 3-5-2. Eusebio Di Francesco has rarely wavered from his preferred 4-3-3 formation this season, whilst Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi has tended to opt for a back three. In last season’s games, Inzaghi set up his team quite deep, limiting the space for Roma’s attack. Creativity will be needed if he fields the same tactics again. Both sides have top strikers in the shape of Edin Dzeko and Ciro Immobile. Roma have last season’s Capocannoniere winner in Dzeko, whilst Lazio’s Immobile currently leads the way in terms of league goals this season. Both of them have missed out on World Cup qualification with their countries, and will be keen to show that it will be the tournament’s loss by scoring on Saturday. As stated, both teams are likely to field three central midfielders, an area where an exciting battle could take place. Roma will hope the talented trio of Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan (should he be passed fit) can get the better of their rivals’ midfield. In particular, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been standing out for Lazio since he joined them, and is now reportedly drawing interest from Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United. He scored in both legs of the Derby in last season’s Coppa Italia semi final, and Di Francesco will be hoping that the Spanish-born Serbian doesn’t net against Roma again. Also impressing in Lazio’s midfield has been Luis Alberto, the former Liverpool man who recently earned his first Spain cap. Alberto has been deployed either as a central midfielder or a number 10, and Roma will have to ensure he doesn’t have an impact during the game. For Roma, several players have been impressing this season, notably Alisson and Aleksandar Kolarov. Stephan El Shaarawy was also in exceptional form prior to the international break, and will be looking to pick up where he left off. However, sometimes the Derby has brought the best out of some of Roma’s less ‘important’ players. Juan Manuel Iturbe and Mapou Yanga-M’Biwa were the goalscorers in May 2015’s 2-1 win; could another unlikely hero emerge on Saturday? All in all, Roma have reason to be confident ahead of the Derby. After disappointing against their rivals last season, it’s time to bring some pride back to the red and yellow half of Rome. Eusebio Di Francesco will be hoping that his team has the passion and ability to do that.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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October 2019
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