Roma Club Focus: Deserted Stadio Olimpico overshadows Giallorossi triumph

There are few bigger games in world football than the Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio, yet Sunday’s meeting between the pair was deprived of the feisty atmosphere that normally epitomises the fixtures.

As their team is presented with its greatest opportunity in over a decade to win only their fifth Scudetto, thousands of Roma supporters continue to be posted missing from the city’s iconic stadium. Ironically, the biggest show of support on Sunday in Rome was the decision of Lazio’s Ultras from the Curva Nord to show solidarity with their rivals by also opting to boycott the fixture.

As of yet, the absence of the club’s Curva Sud Ultras does not seem to have affected the Giallorossi’s performances on the park: Sunday’s 2-0 win over the Biancocelesti means the Giallorossi are still unbeaten at home this season.

But it has undoubtedly reduced one of the greatest footballing theatres in the world into an echo chamber unfitting of the stature of two clubs such as Roma and Lazio. But it raises more questions for the ownership of Roma about their plans for the future.

Whilst the Ultra culture is steeped in the traditions of the club how does that tie in with plans for a new stadium: will the move be used as an opportunity to crack down on some of the more unsavoury aspects of the Ultras? Or will the frightening prospect of building a new stadium only to discover it won’t be full mean the owners appease the Ultras?

Irregardless, it is an unpleasant side story that has not only detracted from one of the greatest Derby matches in the world, but also threatens to put a sour note on what could be a wonderful season for the Giallorossi.

In another sign that Roma may be breaking with culture on the field, the Lupi started the Derby for the first time in history without an Italian in the starting line-up. Whilst that is perhaps coincidental due to injuries, it does suggest that Garcia has built a squad that is perhaps equipping itself not only for the challenges in Italy but also with an eye to make progression in Europe too.

Last week we spoke about the struggles of forward Edin Dzeko and the difficulty Garcia faces in integrating him properly into the Roma team without compromising the ability of Mohamed Salah or Gervinho, yet what better way for the Bosnian to boost his confidence than with an early goal in the Derby?

However, the devastating blow that Mohamed Salah is likely to be ruled out of action for six weeks will damage Garcia’s plans but it also gives him an unplanned opportunity to try and resolve the Dzeko situation whilst the Egyptian winger is sidelined.

Nevertheless, it would be harsh to be overly critical of Roma given they have secured yet another victory and go into the international break just one point off top spot in Serie A and in a commanding position to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, if only sections of their supporters were there to witness it all.