Rome prepares itself for early season derby clash

 ROME – AS Roma versus SS Lazio. The ‘Derby Della Capitale’. A rivalry that dates back almost a century, to the first ever game played between the two teams in 1929. On that day, it was Roma who emerged victorious.

 This time around it is unclear who holds the ace, as the two teams prepare for the vital clash on Sunday. Both teams have had a mixed start to the season in the first three games so far, with unexpected defeats for both sides last game week.

 Gasperini will lead the Giallorossi in the derby for the first time, whilst for Lazio manager Sarri it is not his first rodeo. Both managers will have been tinkering with their tactic’s boards trying to work out the best approach to break down and defeat their rivals.

 Fans throughout the Capital will be tuning in to the game, whether that be at home, a bar, or in person at the Stadio Olimpico, egging on one of the two sides.

 Should Lazio win, they will go even on points with Roma (6), but a win for Roma would take them onto 9 points and help them climb back up towards the top of the table, hot on the heels of top two Napoli and Juventus.

 A blow for Roma however, is the injury to Argentine forward Paulo Dybala, who suffered a muscle strain during their 1-0 loss to Torino last time out, and is highly unlikely to play in the derby.

 Certainly not a game to miss, both for supporters of the two teams in the Capital, but also for the neutral. Fasten your seatbelts, as come midday on Sunday, things are going to kick off.