An unmissable derby, in all senses. There challenge between Rome and Lazio (15 pm) promises the usual mix of tension and entertainment and, never like this time, can have a heavy impact on the season of both.
A defeat, in fact, would have difficult implications for both Garcia and Pioli to manage: a question of classification but also, if not above all, of the environment. Which, moreover, is boiling regardless. The protest of the ultras (both Roma and Lazio) against the Prefect Gabrielli risks putting football played in the background: le curves will be empty and accidents are feared near the Olimpico (among other things, Polish, English and Spanish hooligans are expected, all twinned with the Lazio players).
“I have already made appeals in this sense – commented Garcia. – I hope the stadium is not empty otherwise it would be sad. In any case, I'm focused on the pitch." Understandable speech that of the Giallorossi coach, grappling with a very delicate match. The defeat against Inter still burns and any misstep against the old rivals would create endless controversy.
A similar situation also for Pioli, forced to get a result to cancel the debacle with Milan and strengthen his bench, again under discussion after the latest results. “Every season has its turning points and this could be ours – replied the Biancoceleste coach. – My players have important values, the problem is that we lack continuity. We absolutely have to find her, in these appointments we need to be ready ”.
On paper, Garcia's team seems to be doing better: the defeat at San Siro in fact seemed more like a hiccup. Lazio, on the other hand, has made up for 3 knockouts in the last 4 games, a disappointing progress report that has brought endless criticism and controversy. “The derbies go beyond predictions, there are no favorites – thought Pioli. – We know that Roma are strong but we want to win at all costs”. “We too want the 3 points – echoed Garcia. – They would give us a lot of confidence, moreover they could take us back to first place in the standings ”. Very high stakes, as in any self-respecting derby.
Both Roma and Lazio have played in Europe but the Giallorossi certainly had a much more probative commitment than their "cousins". However, Garcia will not be able to afford turnover also due to some ailments: Florenzi is not doing well as well as Maicon and De Rossi. The standard 4-3-3 will be made up of Szczesny in goal, Torosidis, Manolas, Rudiger and Digne in defense, Florenzi (Vainqueur is ready if he doesn't make it), Keita and Nainggolan in midfield, Gervinho, Dzeko and Salah in attack. Same form also for Pioli, who will field Marchetti between the posts, Basta, Mauricio, Gentiletti and Radu in the back, Parolo, Biglia and Lulic in the midfield, Felipe Anderson, Klose (slight favorite over Djordjevic) and Candreva up front. The desire to win is great, the fear of losing even greater. At stake is the domination of the city and this, especially in Rome, counts more than anything else.
