In the heart of Italy's capital, one game captures the hearts of Romans far and wide. The Rome Derby, also known as the Derby della Capitale, featuring Lazio and Roma, is a clash that ignites the city.
The two famous Serie A clubs will lock their horns once more this weekend, in the latest edition of the Derby della Capitale. With both teams looking to kickstart their campaigns, the match will have even more significance than usual.
Lazio and Roma share a city divided by a fierce rivalry that goes beyond the realm of sport.
The origins of this intense competition can be traced back to the early 20th century when both clubs were founded.
Lazio, established in 1900, and Roma, founded in 1927, represent different sections of Roman society, with Lazio traditionally drawing support from the working class and Roma from the more affluent sections of the city.
The stage for this weekend’s derby confrontation is the Stadio Olimpico, an iconic venue that has hosted some incredibly fiery encounters between the teams.
Beyond the Stadio Olimpico football pitch, the Rome Derby holds plenty of cultural significance.
Roma lead the head-to-head series against Lazio dating back to 1993. The Giallorossi have a record of 27W-18D-21L. Their biggest win during that time was a 5-1 smashing of the Biancocelesti.
Although these teams share the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio went unbeaten in their last seven derbies when listed as the “home team”.
Roma watched enviously at Lazio in 2022-23, when Maurizio Sarri’s team finished runner-up to Napoli.
Roma legend Francesco Totti is co-all-time leading scorer in the derby, with fellow Giallorossi great Dino Da Costa. The duo each bagged 11 goals in Derby della Capitale matches.
Jose Mourinho has a good record against Lazio in all competitions, with 6W-1D-4L in 11 games. His rival, Maurizio Sarri, has a far less glamourous record of 7W-2D-7L.
However, Sarri does have a good record versus Mourinho, with three wins, one draw, and a defeat in five encounters.
As the sun sets over the eternal city, the Rome Derby stands as a testament to the enduring power of football to unite and divide.
Lazio and Roma, two clubs representing different facets of Rome, converge on the pitch to write another chapter in the storied history of their rivalry.
The Derby della Capitale is one of world football’s great derbies and a treat for neutral fans worldwide.