Gasperini faces one lineup question ahead of derby

The timing of Roma's upcoming derby against SS Lazio remains unconfirmed following scheduling complications affecting multiple Serie A title contenders. The Lega Serie A initially announced the match for Sunday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m., alongside fixtures for Napoli, Milan, Juventus, and Como in the Champions League race. However, a provincial public order and security committee meeting scheduled for today could alter these plans, with Monday, May 18 emerging as a possible new date. Local authorities — the prefettura and questura — are considering various kickoff times. While officials prefer an 18:00 start, an evening kickoff is also under discussion, despite evening fixtures typically being restricted due to public safety concerns. The Lega Serie A opposes any postponement and has indicated readiness to escalate the matter to competent authorities, including potential legal action through the Tar (administrative court). League chief executive Luigi De Siervo has proposed an alternative: postponing the final of the Rome International Tennis Tournament to free up security resources. The fixture is complicated by concurrent scheduling demands across the league, with multiple clubs competing for Champions League qualification. Details remain unclear regarding which option will ultimately prevail, though a decision is expected soon following today's security meeting.

AS Roma is preparing for the Derby della Capitale with key players set to return. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk are expected to rejoin the squad following a rest day, with the team resuming training soon. Paulo Dybala is lined up to start the derby match alongside Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen in attack, with the club considering deploying the attacking trio to maximize their chances in the capital derby against SS Lazio's squad. The derby takes place amid an intense Serie A title race for Champions League qualification. Roma recently secured a dramatic late victory over Parma, while AC Milan's loss in their evening fixture has kept the competition wide open. With both third and fourth place still up for grabs and only two spots available for European football, the upcoming matches are critical. Napoli, currently second, suffered a home defeat to Bologna and will need points from their next fixtures to secure Champions League football. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma remains in contention despite the tight standings. The squad appears to have recovered well from recent efforts, with Malen receiving praise for his recent performances. The clash against Sarri's Lazio team represents a crucial opportunity for Roma to press their European qualification bid as the season reaches its decisive phase.

The scheduled date for the Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio on 17 May is facing postponement. A decision will be made today by the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Safety at the Prefectura, with multiple time slots under consideration. The original 12:30 kick-off at Stadio Olimpico conflicts with the men's final of the Internazionali di tennis at Foro Italico, expected to draw at least 20,000 spectators, and overlaps with doubles finals on the same afternoon. Earlier discussions had centred on moving the match to 18:00 the same day, but recent indications suggest a shift to Monday, 18 May is now the favoured option. An evening kick-off on that date would avoid disruption to a working day in the capital and prevent a clash with the tennis tournament final. Serie A League administrator Luigi De Servio previously stated that moving the match to Monday was not a viable solution, but latest reports indicate this position has shifted. The decision will be coordinated across relevant authorities and announced following today's meeting.