Maresca to referee Roma vs Lazio

Fabio Maresca, the Naples-based referee, has been appointed to oversee the upcoming Roma–Lazio derby, marking his first time officiating the fixture. Maresca was selected ahead of rival candidate Massa in a decision made by Damiano Tommasi, head of the National Referees Commission. This assignment breaks a lengthy spell since Maresca last refereed Roma in February 2025. Across 19 career meetings with Roma, Maresca's record stands at eight wins, five draws, and six defeats for the Giallorossi. However, in their last nine encounters, Roma have won only three matches while losing six, though their most recent clash saw them defeat Monza 4–0. Di Bello will serve as VAR for the match, a role that carries historical significance for Roma fans. Di Bello was the VAR official in the previous Napoli–Roma encounter that saw a controversial incident involving Nicolò Zaniolo, when a potential penalty was not awarded. At the time, manager José Mourinho protested strongly, stating: "They take away Roma's right to play to win." The remainder of the refereeing team includes Perrotti and Peretti as assistant referees, Fabbri as fourth official, and Abisso as AVAR. The derby represents an important fixture for Roma, with all eyes on how Maresca's management unfolds given the historical context and recent performances.

Former Roma striker Luca Toni has offered his assessment of the tight Champions League qualification battle heading into the final two rounds of the Serie A season, with five clubs still in contention. Toni believes AC Milan are the favorites to secure a spot, citing their schedule and direct head-to-head advantage. He stated: "I am convinced that Milan will make it, I think they will pull together even if I doubt Allegri will stay. But the Rossoneri have two matches worth six points and the head-to-head advantage in their favor." For Roma, Toni suggested their prospects are less favorable due to an upcoming derby fixture against SS Lazio. He noted: "Roma have the derby and you know better than me how particular that match is." The derby della Capitale is traditionally one of Italian football's most unpredictable encounters, and its placement in Roma's run-in could prove decisive in their Champions League ambitions. With qualification still possible but uncertain, the outcome of their remaining fixtures—including the volatile Lazio clash—will likely determine whether Roma can finish in the top four.

Roma will face Lazio in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday after the fixture date and kick-off time were confirmed following earlier calendar confusion. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his starting eleven, with Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala set to spearhead the team's attack. The derby marks a key fixture for Roma as they look to secure three points in one of Italian football's most intense rivalries. Gasperini's tactical decisions appear to have resolved uncertainty in the squad ahead of the match.