Roma and Lazio kick off 2025 with a blockbuster Derby della Capitale, a fixture renowned as one of world football’s most intense intra-city rivalries. While local bragging rights are always on the line, this time the stakes are even higher, with both sides vying to make their mark in a pivotal Serie A encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma enters the clash in mid-table, trailing their bitter rivals by a significant 15 points. The Giallorossi rounded off 2024 with a resilient draw against AC Milan and will look to build on that performance. Despite having no distinct home advantage in this shared stadium fixture, Claudio Ranieri’s men will be keen to secure a third consecutive Serie A victory at the Olimpico.
Ranieri’s record against Lazio offers a glimmer of hope for the Roma faithful. The seasoned manager has defeated the Biancocelesti 12 times during his illustrious career, a tally bettered against only three other sides. Additionally, Roma will draw confidence from their victory in last season’s derby, which ended a four-match winless streak against their city rivals.
Lazio, on the other hand, are in the midst of one of Serie A’s most enthralling title races in recent memory. A hard-fought draw against league leaders Atalanta in their final game of 2024 kept them within six points of the summit, maintaining their Scudetto ambitions. However, the Biancocelesti know that a slip-up in this fixture could deliver a severe blow to their hopes of lifting their first league title since the 1999/00 season.
Manager Marco Baroni must overcome his poor record against Roma to steer his side to success. With just one win in seven managerial clashes against the Giallorossi, Baroni faces a tough challenge. Yet Lazio’s impressive form away from home—winning six of their last seven matches on the road—suggests they can rise to the occasion.
Roma will pin their attacking hopes on Artem Dovbyk, who has been in scintillating form with three goals and two assists in his last three outings. The Ukrainian striker is set for his first taste of the Rome derby, and his recent performances suggest he could make a significant impact.
For Lazio, Taty Castellanos has been a standout performer this season, leading the team’s scoring charts with nine goals. The Argentine forward will be looking to improve on his previous derby displays, having won a penalty but also received bookings in both prior appearances against Roma.
The Derby della Capitale is seldom short on drama, and recent encounters have been marked by heated confrontations. Both teams have received three or more cards in each of the last four head-to-head clashes, with six red cards shown during that period. The fiery atmosphere and high stakes ensure this trend is unlikely to change.
Curiously, Roma’s home record this season (W5, L4) mirrors Lazio’s away form, suggesting that this contest could be finely balanced. However, with title ambitions driving Lazio and Roma seeking redemption in a challenging season, the derby promises to be anything but predictable.
As the Eternal City braces for another chapter in this storied rivalry, fans of both sides will hope their team can emerge victorious and start the new year on a high.
