Three Reasons Why Roma Derby Is the Most Important Match in Lazio Campaign | OneFootball

When Lazio take on their blood rivals Roma on Sunday night, their entire season could be hanging in the balance.

The Great Significance of This Roma Derby for Lazio

Whenever the two capital sides share the same pitch, fireworks can be expected. But if there has even been a fixture that defines an entire campaign, this might be it for the Biancocelesti, and perhaps to the Giallorossi as well, albeit to a lesser extent. So let’s enlist three reasons that highlight the great significance of this particular clash for the Aquile’s season.

1. Bragging Rights

While Italian football is filled with derbies, this one is arguably the most heated of all, as it’s contested by two clubs whose fan bases genuinely despise one another. While the reasons behind this hatred affair require a separate piece, they gave birth to a rivalry that goes beyond football.

Therefore, both clubs consider winning the Derby della Capitale an accolade on its own, perhaps the most important of all. Even if one of the two clubs went on to win the Scudetto title, their campaign would still be incomplete without a Derby victory. Hence, the importance of this fixture can never be overstated.

2. Champions League Race

While any Derby della Capitale is considered a special affair, some derbies contain extra layers, as is the case in this one. This time around, the two old rivals aren’t only competing for bragging rights, but they’re also embroiled in what is becoming a thrilling Champions League race that includes seven clubs.

Lazio did well to revitalize their hopes by beating Atalanta last weekend, but a defeat to Roma would see them relegated to 7th place, if not lower, which could be a painful blow to their aspirations.

3. Crucial Timing & Mental Effect

Due to the great importance of the Derby della Capitale, its result often has a lasting effect on both sides. The team that prevails in this contest receives an unparalleled morale boost that often sparks a rosy patch, as was the case in January when Roma emerged victorious. The Giallorossi have yet to taste defeat in Serie A since December.

On the contrary, the team that falls short in the Derby could easily fall into disarray due to the agonizing psychological blow. Therefore, Lazio simply cannot afford to suffer defeat just four days ahead of the decisive second leg against Bodo/Glimt, a game that requires an immense effort as they look to overturn the two-goal deficit from the first leg.

In conclusion, the Aquile’s campaign could come undone with a second Derby defeat in a row, while a victory could spark a timely revival at the most crucial instance of the season.