The Derby della Capitale brings with it, a special colour, a special atmosphere and most can agree this time, some special teams. The Stadio Olimpico plays host to one of the most hostile, political, energetic and controversial Derbies in Italy and this time both Lazio and Roma have squads worthy of this occasion. The fixture has gone through some tough times over the years but in its electric backdrop and with of one of its most iconic characters no longer playing a part, it now looks to have a new youthful and vibrant image.
To say that the Rome Derby has had issues is like saying that Italian football has no opinions on VAR. The turbulent and chequered past has seen games suspended over the believed death of a child, banned Ultra groups, Curva’s boycotted and countless political elements that still cause controversy to this day. Even in the last months the incident with the Anne Frank stickers that were pinned to Roma’s Curva and the ludicrous and embarrassing fall out from Lazio’s President Claudio Lotito, means that the problems remain.
The backdrop to the first of this seasons instalment will take place under a cloud, due to this very reason. The anti-Semitic behaviour could see Lazio still be dealt a stadium ban but at present the FIGC (The Italian soccer federation) have only charged the club over the issue however, the prosecutor has asked for charges against Lotito to be dropped after all, he was the man who sanctioned tickets to Roma’s Curva Sud to be allowed after the Curva Nord was closed due to previous racist chanting. Whatever the outcome security will be high.
So, what has changed one may ask? Well, despite the issues there still maybe some colourful choreography as both teams are performing well. Roma have developed into an increasingly dangerous outfit under Eusebio di Francesco and with last season’s Capocannoniere, Edin Dzeko (29 goals in 37 games) they have a dangerous front man who know is playing in front of a very solid defence with goalkeeper Alisson quickly becoming a star of the team. Its fourth versus fifth in this tie and the Roma coach is aware of the importance, he spoke to Mediaset saying that “The first time I played a derby, we all went under the Curva Sud before the game. I can assure you that my legs had never trembled before a match until then. It’s a unique emotion and has never been a game like the others. This time it is also a clash between two clubs in the top spots of the table”
Tremble they may, as Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio are not to be taken for granted, if Roma have last year’s top scorer, then the Aquile have this one's with Ciro Immobile leading the way with 14 goals in 11 games. Lazio are quick, free-flowing and physical with the young tactician bringing an explosiveness to a team who nobody bow wants to face. There are perhaps just a few issues for Lazio as Immobile and Felipe Anderson are doubtful which would be a huge shame as without a full contingent they will have to improvise. Even so, the game will be hard fought especially as the two teams have a game in hand, after both have had a fixture cancelled due to the weather this season.
Both teams are evolving and almost mirroring the improvement in Serie A as they play expansive exciting football without forgetting how to defend. This new look fixture would be made even better if the Ultra’s focus on what they do right other than wrong. Perhaps the one big miss this time round will be the ever-present Francisco Totti who has now retired. He was still scoring goals in this fixture right up until the end of his career scoring an incredible 11 times against his arch enemy.
The absence of Francesco, while sad, offers in a new era for the Derby. In recent years the empty stadiums, boycotts and mediocre personal have seen many ask whether this fixture was waning. Whilst there are still issues there is no doubt however, that the face of this fixture is changing, and it is bright, lively and promising. As the team’s step to the field there is the potential to witness one of the most exhilarating and entertaining derbies in some years and that what this is about. Perform on the pitch and they will come, give them goals and they will cheer. Simply entertain them in this glorious arena, for after all, this is Rome.
