One of football’s fiercest rivalries reignites on Sunday night as Lazio and Roma go head-to-head at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in the latest chapter of the Derby della Capitale. Born in 1929, this bitter city showdown is never short on fire—and this time, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Lazio sit in 6th with 55 points, clinging to European hopes, while Roma breathe down their necks in 7th on 53. Just two points separate these cross-town enemies, meaning bragging rights and a potential Europa League ticket are both on the line.
In recent memory, Lazio have had the slight upper hand, winning three of the last six encounters between the two. But form and history often mean little in Rome when the city splits in two and the Olimpico becomes a cauldron.
Lazio arrive at the Derby della Capitale riding a rollercoaster of form—one win, three draws, and a single defeat in their last five across all competitions. But just when they needed a spark, they delivered a gritty 1-0 win over Atalanta in Bergamo, a result that could ignite belief ahead of their biggest domestic clash of the season.
Their last home outing ended in frustration—a 2-0 loss to Bodo Glimt in the Europa League that exposed some cracks in Marco Baroni’s setup. But with key reinforcements returning, Lazio will feel better equipped for this battle.
Nicolo Rovella is back from suspension to anchor the midfield, and Ivan Provedel returns in goal to restore stability at the back. In attack, all eyes are on Taty Castellanos. The striker, sent off in January’s derby, is nearing full fitness and may finally be ready to lead the line again.
Mattia Zaccagni remains the man for the moment. With two Rome derby winners to his name and 14 goal contributions this season, the captain is built for nights like these. Alongside him, former Roma winger Pedro could feature against his old club, adding yet another layer of fire to this already explosive encounter.
LAZIO predicted lineup vs ROMA: Provedel (GK); Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos.
Roma enter the Derby della Capitale with a slight edge in form, notching three wins, a draw, and just one loss in their last five outings across all competitions. Their latest result—a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Juventus—showcased their grit and ability to go toe-to-toe with the league's elite.
In terms of personnel, Roma face a few key absences. Paulo Dybala remains out, a major creative blow, while Saud Abdulhamid also misses out. But Alexis Saelemaekers returns from suspension and brings a much-needed injection of pace and dynamism to the flanks.
Without Dybala pulling the strings, the spotlight turns to Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian forward—fresh off being crowned Serie A Player of the Month for March—is expected to lead the line, with Eldor Shomurodov pushing to start after his late equaliser against Juve.
Claudio Ranieri has tough decisions to make. Matias Soule and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini are also in contention, adding further intrigue to a frontline that must deliver in one of Italy’s fiercest football rivalries.
ROMA predicted lineup vs LAZIO: Svilar (GK); Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Soule, Pellegrini; Dovbyk.
With Champions League hopes on the line, expect fireworks in the capital. Lazio’s shaky defence could be Roma’s opening, but the Biancocelesti won't go down easy. A score draw feels likely. Derby tension, high stakes, and two teams desperate for points—this one could finish level, but not without drama.
Prediction: Under 2,5 goals.
