Sunday at the Olimpico marks the 182nd Rome Derby. Lazio seeks redemption, Roma aims to get back on track after a promising start and a stumble against Torino.
The fourth round of Serie A kicked off Friday evening with Cagliari’s win at Lecce, but the main event of the weekend is unquestionably set for Sunday: at 12:30 PM local time, the Olimpico will host the Derby della Capitale, Lazio vs. Roma — a match that, as always, goes far beyond the three points at stake.
If Italian singer Roberto Vecchioni once sang about “Luci a San Siro” (Lights at San Siro), this weekend all the lights of Italian soccer will shine on the Olimpico.
The city is already buzzing, with a tense atmosphere and an extensive security plan that includes drones, helicopters, and separate entry routes for the two sets of fans.
Recent history: perfect balance
The recent history of the derby shows near-total balance. In the last ten meetings across league and cup play, each team has won four times, with two draws.
Lazio’s most recent victory came in January 2024 in the Coppa Italia (1-0), courtesy of a Zaccagni penalty. In Serie A, however, they haven’t won since March 2023. Roma last triumphed in the derby in January, with a 2-0 victory.
For Roma’s last “away” derby win — meaning technically at Lazio’s home — you have to go back to December 2016, when goals from Strootman and Nainggolan sealed a 2-0 result.
The most recent clash between the two sides, in April, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Lazio’s outlook
Maurizio Sarri’s team has had a stop-and-go start to the season and badly needs a strong response after last week’s disappointing loss to Sassuolo.
Sarri faces several absences: Lazzari, Patric, and Vecino are out. Rovella has returned to training but is unlikely to start, with Cataldi expected to take his place. On the left side of midfield, it’s a toss-up between Belahyane and Dele-Bashiru, while up front Pedro is favored over Cancellieri to start alongside Zaccagni and Castellanos, who has fully recovered.
“We didn’t start the season well,” Pedro admitted to DAZN, “especially after the loss to Sassuolo. Now we have the chance to react. The derby is a special match, it means so much to us and to our fans. It’s played with unique intensity and passion — we hope to bring joy to all Lazio supporters.”
Roma’s outlook
Gasperini’s Roma began the season on a strong note but is coming off an unexpected home defeat to Torino. The Giallorossi will be eager to bounce back in the most important game of the year.
The biggest absence is Paulo Dybala, sidelined once again with muscle issues. El Shaarawy is slightly favored over El Aynaoui to replace him. Hermoso and Wesley remain doubtful — the Spaniard is dealing with a calf problem, while the Brazilian missed recent training sessions due to a stomach virus.
One of the most anticipated players is Matias Soulé, who spoke ahead of the match:
“This is a special week, different from the others. If we usually give 100%, in the derby we have to give double. There will be some nerves at the start, but as soon as the referee blows the whistle, it’s all about the game. We want to give our fans something to really celebrate.”
A derby that counts double
For Lazio, a win would silence critics and help them turn the corner after a shaky start.
For Roma, it’s the perfect chance to put the Torino defeat behind them and reaffirm their growth while keeping big ambitions alive.
As always, it will be a match of nerves, heart, and pride — where every moment could decide the outcome.
On Sunday at noon, the Olimpico will be roaring. Rome will come to a standstill, and the rest of Italy will pause lunch to watch the Rome Derby set Serie A on fire.
Other top clubs in action this weekend
The Rome Derby may grab the spotlight, but Round 4 of Serie A offers plenty more action. Juventus, Milan, and Atalanta all face away fixtures that look straightforward on paper but could prove tricky.
Today, Saturday, April 20, Juventus visits Verona with kickoff at 6:00 PM local time.
Later that evening, at 8:45 PM, Milan travels to Verona. The Rossoneri cannot afford another misstep against a relegation battler after their opening loss to Cremonese.
On Sunday at 3:00 PM, Juric’s Atalanta — coming off a European thrashing at the hands of PSG — faces Torino away.
The round concludes with title favorites Inter and Napoli both playing at home.
Inter hosts Sassuolo on Sunday night, while Napoli, under Antonio Conte, closes out the round on Monday evening against Pisa.
L’articolo Serie A: Round 4, Spotlight on the Olimpico, There’s Lazio vs. Roma proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
