Llorente, Huijsen battle for starting spot in Roma’s line-up vs Lazio | OneFootball

The only doubt that Daniele De Rossi may have with regards to Roma’s starting eleven for tonight’s Derby della Capitale lies in the defense.

In fact, the Italian technician will have to make up for Evan Ndicka’s suspension as Roma prepare to face their city rivals Lazio in a heated Rome derby which could determine the Giallorossi’s fate in this year’s Champions League race.

According to Corriere della Sera, Roma’s starting line-up has already been decided with the exception of Ndicka’s replacement who will be paired with Gianluca Mancini.

The newspaper reports that both Diego Llorente – the more experienced defender right behind Chris Smalling – and Dean Huijsen – the youngster on loan from Juventus – have an equal chance of featuring from the first minute.

The Spaniard is the favourite to start, but the choice is not easy because even in the Europa League against Milan there will be no Ndicka and the Dutchman is not included in the team’s UEFA list, so in the unfortunate event of an injury for Llorente only Smalling would remain available against the Rossoneri.