Lazio coach Sarri will be on the sidelines for Derby della Capitale despite earlier objections

Matías Soulé is struggling with form and may start on the bench for Roma's upcoming derby against Lazio, with head coach Gasperini considering either Niccolò Pisilli or Lorenzo Pellegrini as his replacement in the starting lineup. The Argentine winger has been back in action for six weeks following a groin injury but has not yet regained the sharpness that defined his earlier performances this season. Despite Gasperini regularly relying on Soulé since his return, the coach is weighing fresh legs and physicality as potentially decisive factors in one of the season's most important matches, with both Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen considered untouchable starters. This would not constitute a rejection of Soulé but rather a tactical management of energy and game momentum. The approach mirrors Gasperini's use of fresh substitutes in the Parma victory, where impact from the bench proved decisive. Soulé could be deployed as an impact option later in the match, particularly if Roma's opponents tire—conditions that might allow the winger to capitalize on dribbling and create shooting opportunities. His goal tally has been dormant since January 10 against Sassuolo, and he managed only one shot on target in his initial weeks back before recording an open header miss against Parma. One year ago, Soulé produced a memorable goal in the derby that became emblematic among supporters. His performance in the coming match could influence Gasperini's future plans for him, as Aston Villa reportedly prepares a significant offer to sign the player.

Serie A has introduced a scheduling system designed to prevent overlaps between the Derby della Capitale (Roma vs Lazio) and the Internazionali di Roma tennis tournament, as well as the Derby della Mole (Torino) and the ATP Finals. The measure follows days of confusion and administrative back-and-forth between the Lega Serie A, the Prefettura, and the Questura over fixture scheduling. The new 'algorithm' will be integrated into the computer system that generates the Serie A calendar to automatically exclude conflicting dates. From 2027 onwards, the Coppa Italia final will also be scheduled to avoid the same week as Rome's clay-court tennis tournament. The decision comes after a recent scheduling crisis forced five matches involving clubs in the Champions League race to be played simultaneously on the same day at noon. Onorato expressed "maximum confidence in the decision of the Prefettura and Questura." The algorithmic approach represents a long-overdue administrative solution, as organisers have struggled for years to balance football fixtures with Italy's major tennis events in Rome and Turin. While the new system addresses future scheduling conflicts, details of its exact implementation and any exceptions remain unclear.

Alessandro Del Piero, Juventus legend, has offered his assessment of the tight battle for Champions League qualification in Serie A. With only two matches remaining, Del Piero believes the race is wide open and inherently unpredictable. He cautioned that "every moment is now decisive and points can be lost against teams that have nothing left to play for," citing Juventus's match against Verona as an example of how no result is guaranteed in football. When asked which teams have the best chance of securing European football, Del Piero highlighted Juventus and Roma as the sides currently showing the strongest form. He stated: "If we photograph the moment, yes, Juventus and Roma arrive with more verve compared to their rivals who have slowed down. This has created a traffic jam in the standings that makes everything more exciting." The congestion at the top of the table has intensified the competition heading into the final stretch of the season. Del Piero also reflected on the state of creativity in Italian football, arguing that imagination remains present in the sport but requires better development in youth football. He emphasised the importance of allowing young players to enjoy the game and learn from defeat without shame, suggesting this approach would help uncover future talent.