Prediction: Lazio vs Roma

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

The Derby della Capitale returns on Sunday, as Lazio and Roma prepare to renew hostilities in a rivalry that dates back to 1929.

Both sides arrive at the Stadio Olimpico smarting from league defeats last weekend, adding extra weight to an already fierce occasion, with neither willing to concede ground in the first derby of the Serie A season.

Lazio

The 163rd Rome derby in Serie A is set for Sunday, with Lazio and Roma resuming hostilities after their 1-1 draw last April, when Matias Soule cancelled out Alessio Romagnoli’s opener.

On that occasion, the sides were locked in a top-four battle, but Roma ultimately finished fifth while Lazio missed out on Europe altogether, prompting the return of Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri’s second spell at the Olimpico has already proven difficult. Limited by a summer transfer embargo, his team has taken just one win from three league outings, falling to Como on the opening day and Sassuolo last week, despite putting four past Hellas Verona in between.

Pressure is mounting on a squad that has claimed victory in only two of their last 13 home fixtures, though they remain unbeaten in eight straight ‘home’ derbies – a club record now under serious threat.

Team News

In terms of availability, Sarri faces several concerns. Nicolo Rovella and Taty Castellanos are doubtful, while Matias Vecino also requires assessment. Defenders Samuel Gigot, Patric, and Manuel Lazzari are all sidelined, forcing adjustments in key areas.

Should Castellanos miss out, Boulaye Dia is the likeliest replacement up front, with former Roma winger Pedro also pushing for a start.

AS Roma

Roma approach Sunday’s Derby della Capitale from a position of relative strength, having overtaken Lazio since their turbulent start to last season and collecting four points from the last two derby encounters.

Defensively, they boast an impressive record too, conceding just once in the last four top-flight meetings. With Gian Piero Gasperini now at the helm, anticipation is high for his first taste of Rome’s fiercest rivalry.

The Giallorossi opened the campaign with successive wins and clean sheets against Bologna and Pisa but stumbled last week, spurning several chances in a 1-0 defeat away to Torino. Still, after Claudio Ranieri’s revival last term, Roma have avoided back-to-back league defeats in 2025, and with a Europa League opener against Nice looming,

Gasperini will be determined to maintain momentum in the domestic arena. Slight favourites heading into the derby, Roma will know that such labels mean little once the whistle blows at the Olimpico.

Team News

As for the personnel, injuries have struck again. Leon Bailey and Paulo Dybala are sidelined, while Mario Hermoso and Wesley face late fitness checks.

Up front, Evan Ferguson may be tasked with leading the line in Dybala’s absence, aiming to end an 11-month club goal drought and perhaps etch his name into derby folklore. Behind him, Matias Soule – a scorer in this fixture last season – is expected to provide creative spark once more, having been an ever-present under Gasperini.

Conclusion

With both sides expected to throw caution to the wind against their fiercest local adversaries, Lazio have the chance to shrug off a shaky start, but securing a hard-earned draw is likely to prove their limit in this contest.

Given that the Derby della Capitale has produced more cards than any other fixture in Serie A this century, discipline will be crucial. The encounter will also put the tactical acumen and temperaments of Sarri and Gasperini under the microscope, promising a fiery and fascinating contest.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet