The Road to the Derby Della Capitale – What to Expect From Roma vs Lazio Clash | OneFootball

On January 5th, Roma and Lazio will lock horns while an entire city holds its breath. So what should we expect from the next edition of the Derby della Capitale?

When it comes to Derby fixtures, especially this one in particular, even the best betting bookmakers would find it hard to place the odds, as the outcome is often unexpected. After all, we’re not talking about any fixture, but one that defies an entire campaign for both sets of fans who want nothing more than to enjoy the bragging rights in the Eternal City.

In the most recent campaigns, the Biancocelesti had the upper hand on most occasions, especially when Maurizio Sarri was still in charge. The Italian tactician found a way to outfox his opposite number Jose Mourinho more often than not. This includes a memorable victory in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals last season.

Nevertheless, when both clubs changed coaching staffs in the middle of the campaign, Daniele De Rossi prevailed over Igor Tudor in April thanks to a solitary goal from Gianluca Mancini. The Roma defender then caused a fuss with a controversial celebration alongside the Curva Sud ultras, teasing Lazio supporters by bearing an insulting flag.

That encounter remains the last Derby della Capitale to date. This season, this highly-anticipated fixture will ensue at a relatively late stage. The two eternal rivals will lock horns on the eve of baptism day in Italy.

Roma & Lazio To Clash on January 5th

At this early stage of the season, it’s still unclear how either side will be faring by then, especially following a not-so-bright start for either team, especially Roma who remain winless three rounds into the new campaign. De Rossi’s men have thus far settled for two goalless draw against Cagliari, while their only strike thus far came in a shocking 1-2 defeat at home against Empoli.

On the other hand, Lazio at least managed to register a victory. Marco Baroni beat Venezia 3-1 on his Olimpico bow, but his team then suffered a defeat in Udine. In their final outing, the Aquile recorded a 2-2 draw in a back-and-forth battle against Milan.

With a host of new signings joining the ranks, Baroni is still working on finding the right tactical shape as well as the starting XI. By January, he’ll certainly have clearer ideas in mind. On the other hand, Roma witnessed fewer changes in comparison, but De Rossi is still switching his tactical system back and forth between a three-man defense and a four-man backline.

After a few months, both clubs would likely have acquired a defined identity, but it remains to be seen which capital side will be ahead in the league standings. And yet, if history has taught us anything, the Derby della Capitale remains anyone’s game despite all pre-match analyses and predictions.