Roma Face Lazio in Derby della Capitale: Preview, Team News & Prediction
Match Report·16 May 2026·3h ago

Roma Face Lazio in Derby della Capitale: Preview, Team News & Prediction

Source: Cult of Calcio

Roma prepare to face rivals Lazio at Stadio Olimpico in the 164th top-flight edition of the Derby della Capitale on Sunday. The Giallorossi arrive in excellent form, having mounted a dramatic comeback against Parma last weekend with goals in the 96th and 101st minutes to secure a 3-2 victory. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma have extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and sit level on points with fourth-placed Milan, with a top-four finish within reach for the first time since 2017/18. They are also chasing their first league double over Lazio since 2015/16 after winning the reverse fixture 1-0.

Lazio, by contrast, arrive deflated following a 2-0 Coppa Italia final defeat to Inter on Wednesday and are facing relegation to ninth place or lower if results do not improve. They trail seventh-placed Atalanta by seven points and have won just one of their last five derbies at the Olimpico. Roma boast an 11-game unbeaten run at home in Serie A, including seven clean sheets, while their recent form shows six first-half goals across their last five home league matches.

Roma have received positive team news, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk both returning to full training, though Evan Ferguson, Bryan Zaragoza, and Stephan El Shaarawy remain unavailable. Lazio will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and must serve a suspension for center-back Alessio Romagnoli. Roma are favored to maintain their dominant recent derby record.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

Stadio Olimpico forms the backdrop for a mouth-watering Serie A clash between eternal rivals Roma and Lazio. Sunday’s showdown marks the 164th top-flight edition of the famous Derby della Capitale, with more than just bragging rights at stake.Roma pulled off a breathtaking comeback to Parma at Stadio Ennio Tardini last weekend, netting in the 96th and 101st minute to pick up a precious 3-2 victory. As a result, Gian Piero Gasperini’s charges head into the penultimate round of fixtures level on points with fourth-placed Milan.However, there’s no room for complacency if they’re to secure their first top-four finish since the 2017/18 season. Roma must hold up their end of the bargain here and complete their first league double over Lazio since 2015/16, following a narrow 1-0 win in the reverse fixture.Driven by revenge, Lazio will be out to bounce back from a dismal 2-0 defeat at the hands of Inter in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final. The same opponent thrashed the Biancocelesti 3-0 in last weekend’s clash at the Olimpico, derailing their chances of securing European qualification for next season.Instead, Maurizio Sarri’s men are now staring down the barrel of a first finish outside Serie A’s top eight since 2013/14. Trailing seventh-placed Atalanta by seven points, Lazio have nothing but pride left to play for, though they could still spoil Roma’s top-four ambitions.Match PreviewRomaGoals from Devyne Rensch and Donyell Malen in added time inspired Roma to a crucial win over Parma last time out, extending their unbeaten league streak to five games (W4, D1). Furthermore, they’ve now won three consecutive Serie A matches, as many as they had in their previous nine league outings (D3, L3).Although they’re only nominal hosts in this blockbuster, Roma can draw further confidence from their remarkable 11-game unbeaten run at the Olimpico in Serie A (W8, D3). Defensive resilience has been crucial to Roma’s renaissance under Gasperini, with the Giallorossi keeping seven clean sheets in that sequence.It’s also worth noting that Roma have finally found their scoring boots, netting at least two goals in five of their last six Serie A contests. Moreover, they’ve bagged six first-half goals across their five most recent home league matches, highlighting the potential for a quick-fire start. That bodes well as they hope to build upon a solid run of three wins from the last four Derby della Capitale instalments (L1).LazioWhile Lazio would very much like to hinder Roma’s top-four charge, they’ve stuttered in this fixture lately, suffering four defeats in the last five derbies as designated visitors (W1). As if that’s not ominous enough, they scored just one goal in that stretch, suggesting their scoring drought could extend beyond the weekend.Yet, despite a thumping defeat to Inter last weekend, Lazio can take heart from the fact that they’ve suffered back-to-back league losses only once this term. In addition, they head into this round on the back of three consecutive away domestic victories, including a pair of high-profile wins over Atalanta and Napoli.However, slow out of the blocks, Sarri’s underperforming side netted a pre-round league-low four first-half goals away from home this season, with only three of their 18 road fixtures seeing both teams score. On that basis, another low-scoring affair could be in store, even though this match has all the makings of a dead rubber for nominal visitors.Team NewsRoma received a double fitness boost during midweek, as Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk both resumed full training. However, Evan Ferguson and Bryan Zaragoza remain in the pits, with Stephan El Shaarawy also at risk of missing this encounter due to an adductor injury.On the other hand, Lazio are still without first-choice goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, meaning Edoardo Motta is likely to start between the sticks once again. Meanwhile, veteran center-back Alessio Romagnoli must serve a suspension after picking up a red card against Inter.Roma vs Lazio Potential Starting LineupsRoma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Wesley; Soule, Dybala; Malen.Lazio (4-3-3): Motta; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Pellegrini; Basic, Rovella, Taylor; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni.Roma vs Lazio PredictionWith momentum and recent history firmly on their side, Roma ought to take the field in a buoyant mood. Despite Lazio’s recent heroics on the road, the Giallorossi appear to be in a prime position to maintain their dominant record in the derby.Prediction: Roma to Win Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football Related posts: Serie A Preview: Lazio vs Roma – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction Lazio Ace Milinkovic-Savic Confirmed to Miss Derby della Capitale Lazio Player Ratings vs Roma: Derby Stalemate Grading Every New Coaching Appointment in Serie A

Read original on Cult of Calcio

More Match Report

Serie A Preview: Genoa vs Milan – Team News, Lineups & Prediction
Serie AMatch Report AI
just now

Serie A Preview: Genoa vs Milan – Team News, Lineups & Prediction

Milan travel to Genoa's Stadio Luigi Ferraris for a crucial final away match of the 2025–26 Serie A season. The Rossoneri are in crisis, having lost four of their last six league games, and sit narrowly ahead of fifth-placed Roma on head-to-head record alone. A defeat would hand their top-four fate to other results, making this a must-win fixture. Genoa, already mathematically safe from relegation, have gone three consecutive matches without scoring and are looking to avoid an unwanted fourth successive blank—their worst run since February 2022. Milan's struggles directly impact Roma's Champions League hopes. Massimiliano Allegri's side have suffered three defeats in their last four away trips and must reverse their poor form to secure a top-four finish. Genoa, despite finishing in the bottom half for a third straight season, have shown defensive resilience, holding both Atalanta and Fiorentina to scoreless draws. However, Milan hold a strong historical record against lower-table sides on the road, winning six of their last eight such encounters. Key absences include Milan's starting forwards Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, plus suspended players Pervis Estupinan and Alexis Saelemaekers. Luka Modric's season-ending facial injury is described as arguably the biggest setback. Genoa will miss Junior Messias, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Maxwel Cornet. Lorenzo Colombo leads Genoa's scoring with seven Serie A goals.

Cult of CalcioRead original →
Roma's Curva Sud prepares choreography for Derby della Capitale
Club NewsMatch Report AI
3h ago

Roma's Curva Sud prepares choreography for Derby della Capitale

AS Roma's Curva Sud ultras are preparing a coordinated choreographic display for the upcoming Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio, the final home match of the season. The club has shared detailed instructions on social media for supporters to follow during the pre-match spectacle. The instructions state: "Romanisti, everything is ready for the derby. Beyond the Curva Sud, what has been prepared will also involve the Tribuna Tevere and therefore it is important — in addition to everyone's participation — that flags are not waved and torches and smoke bombs are not lit. The signal, as usual, will be given when the flag of Antonio De Falchi and the old crest in the Tribuna Tevere will be waved. Let us destroy them. Forward Romanisti!" The derby holds particular significance for Roma this season, as it represents the team's final home fixture with the Champions League qualification still within reach. The match had been subject to scheduling controversy before being confirmed. The Curva Sud's choreography will span multiple sections of the stadium, requiring coordination across different supporter groups to ensure the visual impact is achieved as planned. The ultras' call emphasizes unified participation while maintaining specific timing and protocols for when various elements of the display will be activated.

Derby Roma–Lazio: Stadium gates and parking details for fans
Club NewsMatch Report AI
3h ago

Derby Roma–Lazio: Stadium gates and parking details for fans

AS Roma has released practical information for supporters attending the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico. The match kicks off at the unusual time of 12:00, with stadium gates opening at 09:30. Roma's official website advises fans to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to avoid congestion at turnstiles. Tickets remain available in the Tevere section for those who have not yet purchased. From 09:00 onwards, supporters can visit box 4 on Via Nigra for any issues, or contact the AS Roma Contact Center by phone (06.89386000), email, or online form. Parking arrangements face significant modifications due to the concurrent Internazionali d'Italia tennis tournament at the same venue. Most vehicle passes will be redirected to alternative areas. Parking zones A1, A3, and A4 on Viale dei Gladiatori remain unchanged. Holders of passes A5, A6, A7, B1, B2, C7, E1, and E2 will be directed to Lungotevere della Vittoria. A shuttle service will operate from the beginning of Viale dei Gladiatori to the stadium access point. Disabled permit holders and Tribuna Tevere disabled ticket holders can park at Viale Alberto Blanc and Via Tommaso Tittoni.

More on Lorenzo Pellegrini

Player profile →
Press ConferenceSerie A AI
just now

Gasperini confident Roma have stronger motivation than Lazio ahead of Derby della Capitale

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. Gasperini expressed confidence in Roma's position, stating: "The insidiousness is that Lazio is anyway an excellent squad. It is clear that they at this moment have finished their season, the only strong motivation is to try to prevent Roma from reaching the maximum of the target. We have much truer motivations, much stronger, much more tied to results." Gasperini addressed the fixture scheduling controversy, acknowledging the impact on fans and clubs forced to travel, though he noted Roma's willingness to play at any time. He emphasized the importance of owner Ryan Friedkin's direct involvement with the squad, saying the ownership's presence "is fundamental because when there is the presence of the Ownership, everything works better. There is less people who report things, there is much more possibility of having direct relationships without intermediaries." Regarding midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was born in Rome, Gasperini confirmed the player has trained all week following injury and will be assessed before the match. Gasperini stressed that derby-born players often feel these matches differently. He also expressed optimism about Paulo Dybala's contract renewal, noting that when both the club and player share the same vision, "then after a solution can be found." Roma sit level on points with AC Milan and one point behind Juventus with two matches remaining.

Gasperini optimistic over Dybala contract renewal as Roma target squad agreements
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
1h ago

Gasperini optimistic over Dybala contract renewal as Roma target squad agreements

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence that Paulo Dybala will sign a contract extension with Roma, citing positive intentions from both the player and the club's ownership. Speaking in a pre-derby press conference, Gasperini outlined his belief that renewal talks are progressing well across several squad members whose contracts are expiring. Beyond Dybala, the club is also working on extensions for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Çelik, who are among Roma's departing players. Gasperini emphasized the importance of mutual agreement between the ownership and players in securing renewals. "When there is willingness from both parties, a solution can be found," he stated. The coach also praised the professionalism and loyalty shown by the players involved in negotiations, describing their willingness to stay as "a great sign of attachment to Roma and professionalism." Having initially seemed distant, the renewal scenario for Dybala has shifted toward an extension, which would satisfy Gasperini's objectives for squad stability. The Roma ownership is reportedly making resolving these contract situations a priority, according to the manager. Gasperini noted that having multiple key players available to negotiate with rival clubs could have posed significant complications for the club, but the players' commitment has eased that risk and demonstrates their dedication to the Giallorossi.

Juventus Prepare Alternatives if Bernardo Silva Deal Falls Through
Transfer NewsSerie A AI
1h ago

Juventus Prepare Alternatives if Bernardo Silva Deal Falls Through

Juventus are pursuing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva as a primary target ahead of the summer transfer window, but have compiled a three-man shortlist in case the move fails. The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder will leave Manchester City after nine years when his contract expires in June. Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti is keen to strengthen midfield options, though the Turin club faces competition from other wealthy European sides for Silva's signature. Should the Silva pursuit collapse, Juventus have identified three alternatives. Brahim Diaz, a 26-year-old Moroccan forward at Real Madrid who previously played in Serie A with Milan, has attracted attention. Additionally, Juventus are monitoring AS Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose contract expires in just over a month with the club unable to convince him to sign a new deal; Inter are also pursuing the Italian midfielder. Finally, Udinese's Arthur Atta, a French prospect who impressed in Serie A this season, is being tracked, though the Friulians have set a €25 million asking price. Juventus are also targeting Inter outcast Davide Frattesi as a midfield priority under Spalletti's tenure.

Cult of CalcioRead original →

More on Artem Dovbyk

Player profile →
Roma prepare for Derby della Capitale with Pellegrini and Dovbyk set to return
Match ReportSquad News AI
8h ago

Roma prepare for Derby della Capitale with Pellegrini and Dovbyk set to return

AS Roma are preparing for the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio in the coming days, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini working through final squad decisions. The headline suggests Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk are expected to return for the match. Gasperini is assessing team selection and tactics as Roma prepare for this crucial fixture. Further details on team news and availability remain unclear from the available information.

Roma preparing for Lazio derby with Pellegrini and Dovbyk set to return
Squad NewsSerie A AI
8h ago

Roma preparing for Lazio derby with Pellegrini and Dovbyk set to return

AS Roma are preparing for the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considering his final team selection less than 24 hours before kickoff. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk are reportedly available for the match after recent absences, giving Roma additional attacking options for the high-stakes fixture. Gasperini continues to assess squad fitness and tactical arrangements as Roma look to make an impact in one of Italian football's most intense rivalries.

Gasperini deploys bench strength ahead of Lazio derby
Squad NewsAnalysis AI
8h ago

Gasperini deploys bench strength ahead of Lazio derby

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has key squad options returning to availability for Roma's upcoming fixtures, particularly the derby against Lazio. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk are among the players now available from the bench after periods of absence. Pellegrini, a specialist in derby matches, and Dovbyk, who can be deployed in late-game situations, represent important tactical resources for Gasperini as Roma enters its final two matches of the season. Gasperini has consistently emphasized the importance of squad depth and has previously noted how the unavailability of several players—including Dybala, Koné, El Shaarawy, Soulé, and Wesley—restricted his options throughout the campaign. The return of these players, particularly Pellegrini and Dovbyk, addresses a long-standing concern. Pellegrini, whose contract is set to expire, remains focused on delivering in what could be among his last matches for the club. In derby matches, Gasperini tends to favor experienced players of proven weight, making Dovbyk's availability significant despite other attacking options such as the younger Vaz also competing for minutes. At Parma, substitutes already played a decisive role, with Rensch notably contributing following Wesley's earlier unavailability due to gastroenteritis. Venturino and El Aynaoui were also among the impact players from the bench in that fixture.

More on Evan Ferguson

Player profile →
Roma in full strength for derby; El Shaarawy departure confirmed
Match ReportTransfer News AI
19h ago

Roma in full strength for derby; El Shaarawy departure confirmed

Roma face SS Lazio in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday 17 May at Stadio Olimpico (kickoff 12:00), with referee Maresca in charge. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has his full squad available for the first time this season, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk recovered from injury; only Ferguson remains sidelined. Gasperini is expected to field the same eleven that started against Parma, with a potential choice between Pisilli and Soulé. The coach will address the media in a press conference on the eve of the match to clarify his final tactical decisions. In a significant development, El Shaarawy's departure from Roma was officially confirmed. The winger, who joined the club in January 2016 and spent the majority of the past decade in a giallorossi shirt—apart from a spell in China—announced his farewell through an emotional video and message to the club and supporters. The derby and an away trip to Verona will be his final two matches for Roma. The confirmation of his exit follows recent speculation about his future. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal remains an ongoing priority for the club, with general manager Sogliano handling negotiations. Former Roma midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo has also discussed his own departure from the club in recent comments.

Gasperini to hold pre-derby press conference ahead of Roma vs Lazio
Press ConferenceSerie A AI
1d ago

Gasperini to hold pre-derby press conference ahead of Roma vs Lazio

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference at 13:30 tomorrow ahead of the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. The match kicks off on Sunday at 12:00 in what is the penultimate round of Serie A. Roma cannot afford to drop points if they hope to maintain their Champions League aspirations. Gasperini has almost his entire squad available for selection, with Ferguson the only confirmed absentee. A question mark remains over the attacking midfield position, with competition between Soulé and Pisilli, while Malen and Dybala are expected to lead the attack. Approximately 50,000 spectators are anticipated at the Olimpico, the vast majority supporting Roma; Lazio fans are expected to boycott the match in protest against their club's management. When asked about his own future at the club, Gasperini stated: "I here on 1 July? I hope so, everyone must be satisfied."

Roma have full squad available ahead of Derby della Capitale; Gasperini faces selection dilemma
Squad News AI
1d ago

Roma have full squad available ahead of Derby della Capitale; Gasperini faces selection dilemma

Roma returned to training on Friday morning to prepare for Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having his full squad available for the first time this season. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk have recovered from injury, with only Ferguson remaining sidelined since January. Gasperini plans to field almost the same lineup that defeated Parma, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen guaranteed starting positions. The main selection decision centers on the attacking midfield role, where Niccolò Pisilli holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé. The defensive line is expected to consist of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermeso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Celik and Wesley will operate on the flanks, with Bryan Cristante and Koné forming the midfield partnership. This represents a significant shift in Gasperini's options, as squad depth and injury recovery have previously limited his tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.