Is always Derby. The rivalry between Roma e Lazio makes it all the more compelling the race for second place, disputed precisely by the two teams from the capital. On paper, this round would seem more favorable to the Biancocelesti, who will host Empoli in front of nearly 50 spectators. Impressive numbers if you think that, more or less a year ago, the same Lazio fans who will fill the Olimpico today deserted it to contest Lotito. Other times, on the other hand, that Lazio sailed wearily in mid-table while this one, from the top of the 7 consecutive victories (to which must be added that of Naples in the Italian Cup), flies towards really important goals. All this enthusiasm, combined with the value of Sarri's Empoli, could also play a bad joke, that's why Pioli he doesn't want lapses in concentration.
“I live this moment with great balance – he explained yesterday at the press conference. – We have not achieved anything yet, we must continue like this if we want to achieve our goals”. It's not just about city supremacy, participation in the next Champions League is at stake here, which would guarantee millions of euros, essential for a further leap in quality.
Pioli's concerns mainly concern the physical conditions: the match in Naples could weigh on his team's legs. In any case, the titular players will play, apart from the injured Marchetti (fracture of the nasal septum) and Radu (knee problem). The 4-2-3-1 will thus see Berisha in goal, Cavanda, De Vrij, Cana and Lulic in defense, Parolo and Biglia in midfield, Candreva, Mauri and Felipe Anderson in the trocar, Klose in attack. Sarri will respond with the usual 4-3-1-2 embellished by the usual Saponara-Maccarone-Pucciarelli trident.
More complicated game, at least on paper, for the Roma, engaged in the difficult transfer of Torino. The grenades are playing important chances in the Europa League but the Giallorossi certainly cannot lose ground on their Lazio cousins. But the eve, more than on the technical aspects, was lived in the name of controversy. "Fault" of the sporting justice, guilty of having disqualified the Curva Sud for one round following the banners displayed against Napoli.
“That's how it works in Italy, there is only one man in charge who judges all the events of the weekend – the charge of the French coach. – Abroad, on the other hand, there are commissions and debates. I think your justice needs to improve." Who knows what President Pallotta thinks, the one who, against the popular will, has decided not to appeal against Tosel's decisions… In any case, today is the time to think about the pitch and the match against Toro.
“They are a good team, they are having a good season – Garcia's analysis. – We know it will be difficult to win but we will play for that, as is our habit”. However, the coach will have to deal with the usual physical problems: Totti and De Rossi will be there but certainly not in top form. The current captain is available again after almost a month and will start from the bench, while the one of the future will play from the first minute but only thanks to an infiltration. The Giallorossi 4-3-3, net of the absences of Gervinho and Maicon, will be composed as follows: De Sanctis in goal, Florenzi, Manolas, Astori and Holebas in defense, Pjanic, De Rossi and Nainggolan in midfield, Ibarbo, Iturbe and Ljajic in attack. Only one absent instead for Ventura: it's Benassi, stopped by a muscle fatigue during the final finishing. The attacking tandem will be made up of Quagliarella and Maxi Lopez, with Darmian and Bruno Peres on the outside.
