A high altitude derby. Lazio and Rome they face each other this evening in anticipation of the 18th day (20.45) in a creepy derby, the first in history behind closed doors. But this comparison number 175 between the Biancocelesti and the Giallorossi applies above all to the standings, albeit for different reasons. Fonseca's men can still nurture Scudetto ambitions, while Inzaghi's men have their focus on fourth place, currently 5 points away. In short, winning becomes decisive for both, otherwise dreams of glory will inevitably have to be revised.
“We all know what the derby represents in this city, both teams are at risk – the analysis of Lazio technician – It's very important for us, we have to follow up on the last two victories. We will need speed, aggression and determination, the margin of error in these matches is zero, that's why we will have to limit their best players. It will be an anomalous match, without fans, but we know they will be there with their hearts: the same that we will have to put on the pitch."
Inzaghi, classification in hand, is undoubtedly the one who has the most to lose, but Fonseca also has his good reasons to win the match, not least the fact that he has not yet won a derby since he has been in Italy. “But I've never even lost it – he replied Portuguese to those who pointed it out to him in the press room – We are well aware that it is an important match for everyone, even if it is always worth 3 points. We are working to be an ambitious team that always wants to win, this is the most important thing for me."
The attempt not to dramatize too much is commendable, as well as sportingly understandable, but even he, in his second year in the capital, knows well how this is much more than a game. Of course, we are still in the first round and there would be time to remedy a misstep, but the climate would become heavy and this certainly wouldn't help the job. In short, nobody really wants to lose this derby, especially as the teams, after weeks of close commitments, had a week off to prepare for it.
Inzaghi can finally count on an almost complete squad: with the return of Lulic and Correa, even if only for the bench, only Cataldi, Strakosha and Fares remain out. The 3-5-2 biancoceleste will thus see Reina in goal, Luiz Felipe, Acerbi and Radu in defense, Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto and Marusic in midfield, Caicedo and Immobile in attack.
More or less similar situation also for Fonseca, who will be able to count on everyone except the usual Zaniolo, Pastore, Calafiori, Fazio and Santon. The Giallorossi coach will thus rely on the usual 3-4-2-1 with Pau Lopez between the posts, Mancini, Smalling and Ibanez in the back, Karsdorp, Veretout, Villar and Spinazzola in the midfield, Pellegrini and Mkhitaryan behind the lone striker Dzeko.
