As the Derby draws ever closer, here are the probable line ups and Derby related news that has been filtering throughout the Calcio world.
Roma(4-3-3):
Stecklenburg, Rosi, Burdisso, Heinze, Jose’ Angel, Perrotta, De Rossi, Fabio Simplicio, Bojan, Pjanic, Osvaldo
Roma’s big absence is obviously talisman and captain Francesco Totti, Er Pupone will be replaced by Spanish youngster Bojan. The Giallorossi are also without Bogdan Lobont, Davide Pizzarro, Leandro Greco and Stefano Okaka.
Lazio(4-3-1-2):
Marchetti, Konko, Biava, Dias, Radu, Gonzalez, Brocchi, Ledesma, Hernanes, Klose, Cisse
Francelino Matuzalem will sit out this one alongside Simeone Del Nero, but Lazio will field virtually a full compliment. Miroslav Klose was a doubt, but it appears the German is winning his fitness battle, and will partner Cisse up top.
The Referee for the game will be Paolo Tagliavento.
Facts:
Edy Reja has not won a derby since he took over at Lazio. This is his 5th attempt.
Roma have won the last 5 derbies consecutively, a record only matched by Lazio from 1951 to 1953.
4 out of the last 6 goals in this fixture have come from the penalty spot.
Other news:
The Derby was rumoured to be called off after Anti – Capitalism Riots left 70 people injured in the Capital. Mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, said that to call off the game would be “another blow for the city”, and plans will go ahead as normal.
Roma midfielder Simeone Perrotta believes Luis Enrique is “right for Roma” and has confidence in his side ahead of the big game. “I think he’s the right man at the the right time” the playmaker continued. “We’ve got to give him time, as his methods require patience.”
Edy Reja has responded to Totti’s jibe about his poor Derby record, admitting that he “owes the fans” a victory. Reja has never beaten Roma, and said in a press conference that “clearly” he owes the Lazio fans, and will try his best to deliver the Laziale “that moment of joy.”
Reja also expressed regret when talking about Francesco Totti’s absence(albeit with his tongue firmly in his cheek) “It’s a shame Totti wont be on the field, he is someone of real class – when he plays, at least..”
The Derby will kick off at 7:45pm BST and looks to be a tantalising fixture.
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This article was originally posted on the FFC News Desk
