Alexander Doni hopes playing without protective headgear sends a sign that “Roma are not afraid of Lazio.”
The goalkeeper was a doubt for Sunday night’s derby after he was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw with Bologna, having been accidentally kicked in the back of the head by Marco Di Vaio.
He was set to use a Petr Cech style helmet for his first game back, but opted against it.
“It is absolutely not true that I’m wearing the headgear. You need to be accustomed to it to wear a protection like that,” he told newspaper Il Messaggero.
“I was pretty scared when it happened, but now I am keeping hold of my bandages and five stitches, so I’ll play like that.”
Roma need all the courage they can find, as they go into the Derby della Capitale a staggering 14 points behind rivals Lazio – albeit with a game in hand.
“I don’t think the table counts for anything in this match. We are behind them, but when you step on to the field for a game like the derby, it all starts from scratch.
“This is where your quality counts more than the current standings. We have more confidence than before, thanks to the win over Chelsea.”
It has been the Giallorossi’s worst start in three decades, but Doni believes the key is entirely physical.
“The main reason for our lack of results has been the number of injuries. It isn’t easy to be out of action for a long while, come back and immediately give your best.
“A draw would not be enough for us on Sunday, we need all three points to get back on track.”
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