Roma legend Bruno Conti admits this is the worst lead-up to a derby in his entire life. “Lazio are favourites!”
The former player is now a director at the club and has been following the Derby della Capitale since birth, as he is a homegrown Giallorossi supporter.
“This is certainly the most horrible lead-up to a derby that I can remember,” moaned Conti.
“At this moment Lazio are the favourites, not just for their advantage in the table, but also because they play great football.”
Roma have had the bragging rights in the city for several seasons, but they currently lie 14 points adrift of their rivals – albeit with a game in hand against Sampdoria to be played in January.
“The derby is a launching pad to get back in there. To lose it would be a huge disappointment even without its effect on the table.”
Francesco Totti is increasingly unlikely to feature on Sunday night after pulling up during training today with another recurrence of that knee injury.
“Totti has been missing in other occasions and the squad did well anyway,” assured Conti.
“One cannot deny absolutely everything has happened to us this season, but the players have shown a strong mentality.”
Daniele De Rossi should recover in time from a wrist injury after x-rays confirmed it was not a fracture, while goalkeeper Alexander Doni has said he will play without a protective helmet following his blow to the head.
The Rome derby is naturally a controversial affair and refereeing designator Pierluigi Collina has assigned Gianluca Rocchi to the game.
He has overseen Roma eight times with four wins, four draws and one defeat. His record with Lazio is of two wins, two draws and four losses.
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