Lazio vs. AS Roma: A Breath of Renaissance in the Capital Derby

ROME, SATURDAY — Two teams from the Italian capital, Lazio and AS Roma, welcome the Derby della Capitale, Sunday (21/9/2025) at 5:30 PM WIB, at the Stadio Olimpico with negative results due to defeats in the third week. Undoubtedly, the 202nd match between the two teams is an opportunity for "The Eagles" and "The Wolves" to bring a renaissance spirit to improve their performance and return to a positive trend of results.

Since the two teams met on December 8, 1929, Roma has continued to dominate with a record of 75 victories. In contrast, Lazio has triumphed in 58 matches. Draws have characterized 68 other encounters.

The dominance of Roma is marked by the presence of four legends of the Wolf who lead the list of top scorers in the capital derby. They are Dino da Costa and Francesco Totti, both having scored 11 goals, followed by Marco Delvecchio with 9 goals, and Vincenzo Montella with eight goals.

The most prolific Lazio players in one of the largest city derbies in Europe and the world are Silvio Piola and Ciro Immobile. Each of these players has left their mark on the capital derby with a tally of seven and six goals, respectively.

Roma also has a better team condition thanks to a strong start to the season against their city rivals. The surprising defeat to Torino last week does not overshadow two identical 1-0 victories in the first two matches of this season.

Meanwhile, Lazio has only won once in the second week, defeating Verona 4-0. However, they have already accumulated two losses against Como and Sassuolo.

AS Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini will experience his first capital derby. He stated that his team must set aside the fact that Lazio's start to the season has not been particularly positive. According to Gasperini, derby matches always present a different dimension that is not influenced by previous games.

"There's a big rivalry in the city. I expect it to be a fierce derby, with everyone trying to give their best," Gasperini told DAZN on Saturday (September 20, 2025).

"Compared to previous meetings, it is necessary to create a sense of calm before and after the match. In matches like this, excessive emotions can ruin the game," he added.

The burden of winning rests on Gasperini's shoulders. In addition to having a deeper squad, Gasperini is overshadowed by a positive legacy. In the previous four capital derbies, Roma remained unbeaten with a collection of two victories and two draws.

In order to return to the three-point track, Gasperini needs to make wiser decisions regarding the forward lineup that has yet to find its best arrangement. Following the injury sustained by Paulo Dybala, Gasperini is inclined to reinstate Evan Ferguson as a key player to accompany Matias Soule.

On the other hand, the trio of defenders and the quartet of midfielders for Roma are likely to remain unchanged compared to the previous three matches. The penetration from the two wingers, Angelino on the left and Wesley on the right, will be relied upon by Gasperini to threaten Lazio's defense.

"I am very pleased with the work that has been ongoing for two months. It is important to establish effective contacts that also run parallel to the final results," said Gasperini.

Bryan Cristante, the midfielder and captain of Roma, stated that a derby is different from other matches. He considers the duel against Lazio to always feel special.

"We have a great coach who is working well with us. We must continue this progress," Cristante said, as quoted by Roma Press.

Meanwhile, Lazio is backed by the positive record of their coach, Maurizio Sarri, in the capital derby as they face Gasperini. Since his first period managing Lazio in the 2021-2022 season, Sarri has helped the Eagles defeat their city rivals in four encounters. There has been one draw, and Lazio has only suffered one defeat in the capital derby under Sarri's guidance.

In addition, Sarri has managed to secure seven victories in encounters against Gasperini. Conversely, Sarri has only suffered six defeats against Gasperini's team.

Sarri emphasized that the Lazio squad has the opportunity to reach a turning point in their revival this season during the derby match. Three points not only result in a victory that improves the club's condition but also restore the supporters' confidence in the team's capabilities this season.

"The derby is the most difficult and toughest match I've ever experienced. I hope the lads can start the match with peace of mind, ready to fight for everyone involved with the club," Sarri said, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.

In addition to the players, Sari urged Lazio supporters to provide support to the club in order to rise in the derby match. He hopes that players and supporters will unite to fight together for victory.

"We must continue to unite to help each other and be one big family. Every family goes through difficult moments, and now is the time for us to suffer together," said Sarri, who won one Scudetto while managing Juventus in the 2019-2020 season.