Dodo – Derby win can lift Roma

Injured Roma defender Dodo feels another derby win over Lazio can provide his club with a significant lift.

The second Rome derby of the season takes place on Sunday with Rudi Garcia’s second-placed side hopeful of claiming their fourth successive league victory.

Dodo will not return until next month due to a thigh injury, but feels success against Lazio, who suffered a 2-0 defeat when the sides met in September, could prove crucial in Roma’s ambitious bid for a domestic double.

He said: “A derby is always important.

“The win (in) the first stage of the season helped so much in giving confidence to the team. We hope that this return derby will help us in the same way.

“The expectation as favourites? We are used to playing with this pressure and I have faith that Mr. Garcia will handle everything better.”

Brazilian Dodo admits it will hurt to watch one of Italian football’s biggest matches from the sidelines.

“I will suffer to see the derby as a spectator, I’d love to play,” he said.

“I am focused on recovering as soon as possible so as to help the team.”

Dodo is optimistic over Roma’s chances of reaching the Coppa Italia final after Gervinho’s late goal secured a 3-2 first-leg win over Napoli on Wednesday in their last-four tie.

“The final goal gives us that advantage,” he added.

“So far we have only lost one game (all season) so we have to be hopeful for the return leg in the Coppa Italia semi-final.”