The Rome Derby returns this weekend with both Lazio and AS Roma eager to seize momentum in their pursuit of a top-four finish. Always one of Italy’s fiercest rivalries, this clash promises intensity, tactical battles, and potentially season-defining consequences.
Lazio Team News and Form
Lazio approach the derby with a mixed squad situation. Defenders Patric, Gigot, and Lazzari are all doubts, while midfielder Matías Vecino remains sidelined with injury. On the positive side, key center-back Alessio Romagnoli returns from suspension, while winger Gustav Isaksen and full-back Adam Marušić have both recovered in time to feature.
In attack, Mattia Zaccagni and Valentín Castellanos—both scorers in the previous round—are expected to start, with Boulaye Dia pushing for minutes after netting as a substitute. The midfield will be anchored by Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolò Rovella, who have been central to Lazio’s structure this season.
Restricted by a transfer ban, Lazio were only able to make permanent the signings of players who had been on loan, such as Nuno Tavares, Gigot, and Luca Pellegrini in defense, along with Rovella and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield. Outgoing transfers included French prospect Loum Tchaouna (Burnley) and defender Nicolò Casale (Bologna).
Roma’s Squad and Transfers
Roma face their own challenges, with summer signing Leon Bailey still sidelined by injury and Brazilian full-back Wesley rated doubtful. On the attacking front, Argentine winger Matías Soulé, already on the scoresheet this season, has emerged as a key threat. He is expected to line up alongside compatriot Paulo Dybala and new recruit Evan Ferguson in the front three.
Midfielder Manu Koné, fresh from an impressive international break with France, is available and should bolster the midfield battle. Roma were active in the transfer market, saying farewell to Mats Hummels (retirement), Abdoul Karim Abdulhamid (Lens), Salah-Eddine (PSV), and Saelemaekers, who returned to AC Milan after his loan spell. Incoming players included defenders Ghilardi (Hellas Verona), Wesley (Flamengo), Ziolkowski (Legia Warsaw), and Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool), along with midfielder El Aynaoui (Lens), winger Bailey (Aston Villa), and striker Ferguson (Brighton).
Historical Context and Tactical Outlook
Derbies in Rome are notoriously unpredictable, but recent results have tilted in Roma’s favor. The Giallorossi have won two of the last five meetings, including a 2–0 victory in January, while Lazio have managed just one win during that period. However, Lazio hold a psychological advantage at home, as they have not lost a derby as the designated hosts since 2016.
Lazio coach Marco Baroni is expected to adopt an aggressive, high-pressing approach, looking to disrupt Roma’s buildup. Roma, under Daniele De Rossi, may lean on their ability to absorb pressure and hit on the counterattack, with Soulé and Dybala providing creativity and pace. The midfield battle between Guendouzi and Bryan Cristante could prove decisive in dictating tempo and transition play.
Prediction
While Roma’s recent form and away record—ten wins in their last 14 Serie A trips—suggest they should have the upper hand, Lazio’s home resilience and recent attacking spark could keep the game balanced. Castellanos and Zaccagni remain dangerous options, but Roma’s quality in the final third may be the deciding factor.
Predicted Score: Lazio 0 – 1 AS Roma
This derby rarely disappoints, and with both sides fighting for Champions League qualification, Saturday’s encounter is set to be a gripping chapter in one of football’s most storied rivalries.
