Roma or Lazio: Who Will Win the First Roman Derby of the Year?

Before we dive deep into the Roman Derby, we have to tell you this not-so-secret thing first.

Ready to hear it?

Well, here it goes: It’s raining goals in the Italian Serie A!

The last game to finish without a goal was played on the 3^rd of January. Since then, the goals have been flying everywhere. If you’re searching for goals to cash in on this month, Italian football is the way to go.

And speaking of Italian football, it doesn’t get bigger and as brutal anywhere else like it does when AS Roma and Lazio clash. Some call it the Roman Derby. Locals refer to it as the Derby della Capitale. But its name doesn’t matter much when both sides take to the field.

In Rome, you’re Roman. And you’re either Roma or Lazio. That’s why the fans have always made this game one to look out for in the Serie A season. Although this one will be played without them, you can still expect fireworks on the pitch, no thanks to what’s at stake for both sides in this clash.

AS Roma is part of the chasing pack seeking to dethrone AC Milan at the top of the table. Just six points behind the Rossoneri, each point this season matters as they look to win their first league title in over two decades.

For Lazio, finishing in the top four is still a priority for Inzaghi. They now have to find a way out of the eighth position they currently occupy, starting with this derby.

Having the first goal in their last six games, AS Roma head into this clash high on confidence. They will be looking to make it seven out of seven and thereby control the outcome of this Roman Derby. The 37 goals they have scored so far this season – an average of two per game – will also be another huge concern for Lazio.

Although they share the same stadium, Lazio will be the home side when these two teams clash inside the Stadio Olimpico stadium. This is good news for Lazio as they have won the last two games played at home – against Napoli and Fiorentina. Although they managed to keep just one clean sheet during that run of games, they will be hoping to keep Roma at bay in this game.

For a rivalry that started as far back as the 1930’s, there’s plenty of history between both sides. Looking at their recent history, only twice, in the last six editions of tis derby, have both sides failed to score in a derby game. Says a lot about what to expect in this clash.

Will you be adding this game to your bet slip? Which team will you be rooting for? Join the conversation below by dropping your comments.