This weekend, the Stadio Olimpico will witness a morning battle between two eternal rivals, as Lazio and Roma meet in the Derby of the Wounded

Lazio’s miserable summer has been followed by a vastly disappointing start to the season. Maurizio Sarri’s men began their campaign with a poor showing in Como, suffering a 0-2 defeat at the hands of the Lagunari. The Biancocelesti then bounced back with a convincing showing at home, pummelling Hellas Verona by four unanswered goals in their first appearance at home.

However, this was only a false dawn, as the Aquile returned empty-handed from their Emilian journey last weekend following a 0-1 defeat to the newly-promoted Sassuolo, who finally registered their first Serie A points of the season. Hence, Lazio currently lie 12th in the table, with only three points from as many fixtures,

Roma Form Guide: Recent Results & Table Position
Gian Piero Gasperini began his Roman journey with two narrow yet important victories over Bologna at home and Pisa on the road, courtesy of solitary strikes from Wesley and Matias Soulé.

However, their perfect record vanished last Sunday, as they suffered a surprising defeat at the Stadio Olimpico at the hands of their visitors, Torino, with Giovanni Simeone’s goal being the only difference between the two sides. Nevertheless, the Giallorossi are still 6th in the Serie A table, only three points adrift from league leaders Napoli and Juventus.

Lazio vs Roma: Match Insights
Roma’s recent superiority: Roma have had the upper hand in the most recent league editions of the Derby della Capitale, registering two wins and as many draws in the last four meetings.

Lazio’s impressive ‘home’ record: Although the two clubs share the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio have registered a new record by going undefeated in the last eight league Derbies where they were the designated home side, winning four and drawing as many. Their last ‘home’ defeat dates back to 2016.

Lazio’s woeful start: The Biancocelesti risk suffering a third defeat in the first four league fixtures for the third time in the last 50 years after the 2014/15 (with Stefano Pioli) and 2023/24 (with Sarri).

Starting Lineups: Maurizio Sarri & Gian Piero Gasperini’s Probable Selections
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Pedro, Castellanos, Zaccagni.

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley, Cristante, Koné, Angelino; Soulé, El-Shaarawy; Ferguson.