This weekend brings the Rome Derby, which in light of the recent tragic events in Italy brings up the question of whether any games should be played their at all this weekend, but it appears the fixtures will take place none the less.


Lazio v Roma
The derby della capitale kicks of at 2pm UK time this week in what will be an extremely important game for both sides, and not just with regards to the capitals bragging rights. My team Lazio are currently in free fall. Three straight defeats coupled with a very unconvincing start to 2009 have seen the aquilotti slip to 9th place in the standings, behind mid table teams like Cagliari and Palermo. This simply in not good enough and president Claudio Lotito has confirmed this, but he may have left his rant far too late in the season as Lazio's confidence in themselves appears to be totally shattered. No goals for in three games and he return of the defensive frailties that have let Lazio down time and time again this season are there for all to see. However, this is the Derby, a game that has no favourites as anything can happen. The Lazio faithful will likely be out in full force to drown out their Roman counterparts, and a moral boosting win here is exactly what is needed before a tough away trip to Genoa next week and the Coppa Italia semi final against Juventus in a couple of weeks time if Lazio are to save their season and get into the Europa League.

For Roma however a defeat here could end their champions league ambitions. They already trail Genoa and Fiorentina in the standings and with both of these teams playing Juventus and Cagliari respectively a win for Roma could narrow the gap this weekend. Let us hope though, that Lazio take all the glory here ahahaha.

more at http://allthingscalcio.blogspot.com/