The Derby della Capitale, or Rome Derby, is one of the most heated and passionate fixtures in European football, pitting two of Italy’s biggest clubs, S.S. Lazio and AS Roma, against each other. These two clubs share the city of Rome, but the rivalry between them goes beyond geography—it’s a clash of identities, histories, and fan bases.
As the rivalry intensifies, football fans eagerly await the lineup announcements for this high-stakes encounter. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what we can expect from both teams’ lineups in this thrilling derby match. From tactics to key players, we’ll provide all the information you need to understand the dynamics of this crucial match.
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S.S. Lazio vs AS Roma: A Rivalry Like No Other
Before diving into the lineups, it’s important to understand the significance of the Rome Derby. Lazio and Roma are not just football clubs—they represent two contrasting worlds within Rome, with Lazio traditionally seen as more working-class and Roma as more middle or upper-class. This socio-political divide is reflected in the intense atmosphere surrounding the derby, making every meeting between the two clubs a highly charged event.
Historically, Roma has been more successful in Serie A, while Lazio has had its own moments of glory, including winning the Coppa Italia and Serie A title. Both teams have passionate fanbases, and when they meet, it’s a spectacle that captivates not just the city of Rome, but football fans across Italy and the world.
Expected Lineups for the Lazio vs Roma Derby
Both Lazio and Roma have strong squads, filled with world-class talent and key players capable of influencing the match. Let’s break down the potential lineups for both teams, considering current form, injuries, and tactical preferences.
S.S. Lazio Lineup (4-3-3 Formation)
Lazio has been solid under manager Maurizio Sarri, known for his possession-based, attacking football. Sarri’s tactics generally focus on building play from the back, with quick transitions and fluid movement in attack. Here’s a look at the expected lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ivan Provedel
Lazio’s reliable goalkeeper, Provedel, has been key to their defensive setup. He is expected to start between the posts in this high-pressure fixture. - Defenders:
- Right-back: Elseid Hysaj
Hysaj has been consistent in defense, with his ability to get forward when needed. - Center-back: Patric
A solid presence in the defense, Patric is likely to feature in the starting XI, partnering with… - Center-back: Luiz Felipe
Luiz Felipe has been one of Lazio’s standout defenders this season, providing stability in the heart of defense. - Left-back: Adam Marusic
A versatile player who often joins the attack, Marusic provides width on the left side and is crucial for both defense and attack.
- Right-back: Elseid Hysaj
- Midfielders:
- Central midfielder: Sergej Milinković-Savić
Milinković-Savić is Lazio’s most influential player, capable of controlling the game with his passing, vision, and physicality. - Central midfielder: Luis Alberto
Known for his creative passing and technical ability, Luis Alberto plays a key role in linking midfield and attack. - Defensive midfielder: Danilo Cataldi
Cataldi offers balance in the midfield with his defensive work and ability to break up opposition attacks.
- Central midfielder: Sergej Milinković-Savić
- Forwards:
- Right wing: Felipe Anderson
A pacey and skillful player, Felipe Anderson will be crucial on the wing, looking to stretch the Roma defense with his dribbling and runs. - Center forward: Ciro Immobile
Lazio’s talisman and captain, Immobile is the league’s top scorer and will be the focal point of their attack. - Left wing: Mattia Zaccagni
Zaccagni has been in great form, contributing goals and assists from the left wing, and will look to exploit Roma’s defense.
- Right wing: Felipe Anderson
AS Roma Lineup (3-4-2-1 Formation)
Roma, under José Mourinho, is known for their solid, counter-attacking style of play. Mourinho’s tactics often focus on a disciplined defensive setup with quick transitions to exploit the opposition. Here’s how Roma is expected to line up for the derby:
- Goalkeeper: Rui Patrício
The experienced Portuguese keeper, Rui Patrício, will be in goal, looking to maintain Roma’s defensive solidity. - Defenders:
- Right center-back: Chris Smalling
Smalling has been Roma’s rock at the back, providing leadership and composure. - Center-back: Gianluca Mancini
A physical presence in the middle, Mancini’s ability to defend set-pieces and read the game is crucial. - Left center-back: Marash Kumbulla
Kumbulla is the least experienced of the three, but his pace and agility make him an important defensive option.
- Right center-back: Chris Smalling
- Midfielders:
- Right wing-back: Zeki Çelik
Çelik’s pace and crossing ability make him a threat on the right flank, and he will be crucial in both defense and attack. - Central midfielder: Bryan Cristante
Cristante is expected to provide stability in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and supporting the offensive play. - Central midfielder: Lorenzo Pellegrini
Roma’s captain, Pellegrini is a box-to-box midfielder with excellent passing and vision. He will be key in transitioning from defense to attack. - Left wing-back: Nicola Zalewski
Zalewski will provide width and pace on the left side, with his attacking runs helping stretch Lazio’s defense.
- Right wing-back: Zeki Çelik
- Forwards:
- Attacking midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan’s creativity and ability to make late runs into the box will be essential in linking up with Roma’s forward line. - Attacking midfielder: Nicolo Zaniolo
Zaniolo’s skill and dribbling ability make him a constant threat in the final third, capable of unlocking Lazio’s defense.
- Attacking midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Striker: Tammy Abraham
Abraham, Roma’s main striker, has the physicality and technical ability to trouble Lazio’s defenders. His aerial presence and finishing ability will make him a key player.
Tactics and Key Battles
- Midfield Control: Lazio’s midfield, led by Milinković-Savić and Luis Alberto, will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Roma, however, will look to disrupt this rhythm with Pellegrini and Cristante working hard to break up play and counter quickly.
- Full-backs vs Wing-backs: Lazio’s attacking full-backs, Marusic and Hysaj, will look to overlap and provide width, while Roma’s wing-backs, Çelik and Zalewski, will be crucial in offering defensive support and going forward. The battle on the flanks will be key to breaking down the opposition.
- Immobile vs Roma Defense: Ciro Immobile is Lazio’s main threat and will likely come up against Roma’s defensive trio of Smalling, Mancini, and Kumbulla. If Immobile gets the space to operate in the box, he could be deadly.
- Abraham vs Lazio Defense: On the flip side, Roma’s striker, Tammy Abraham, will have his hands full with Lazio’s central defensive pairing of Patric and Luiz Felipe. His aerial ability and hold-up play will be important in linking up with Roma’s attacking midfielders.
FAQs About the S.S. Lazio vs AS Roma Lineups
1. What formation does Lazio typically use?
Lazio typically uses a 4-3-3 formation under Maurizio Sarri, focusing on possession and quick transitions.
2. How does Roma approach games tactically?
Roma under José Mourinho usually plays with a 3-4-2-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks.
3. Who are the key players for Lazio in the derby?
Ciro Immobile, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Luis Alberto are key players for Lazio, providing attacking threat and creativity.
4. Who are Roma’s key players for the derby?
Tammy Abraham, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be crucial for Roma, with Abraham leading the attack and Pellegrini pulling the strings in midfield.
5. What makes the Rome Derby special?
The Rome Derby is unique due to the fierce rivalry between Lazio and Roma, representing the two contrasting sides of Rome, and the intense passion of their respective fanbases.
Conclusion
The S.S. Lazio vs AS Roma derby is more than just a game—it’s a clash of cultures, histories, and passions. Both teams have dynamic squads with key players who can swing the game in their favor. As the match approaches, the lineups will be scrutinized for any tactical surprises, but one thing is certain: the atmosphere in Rome will be electric, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether you’re a Lazio or Roma fan, or simply a lover of football
, this is a fixture you won’t want to miss.