Derby di Roma: Brocchi’s analysis

Countdown to kick-off for Lazio vs. Roma, a very important clash for city wide bragging rights and also in deciding the Champions League places. I played lots of derbies during the five years of my career at Lazio. We often went into the games as underdogs, because Roma were often stronger on paper, built to achieve different objectives. We lost a lot but also won quite a few: in the end, technical qualities on the pitch in these types of matches tend to level out, because emotive values become very important.

From this point of view, I think that Roma have a mental advantage. They won the first derby of the season, which brought a lot of enthusiasm and they have gained a lot of points on Lazio: until a few weeks ago, the idea of the Giallorossi being able to overtake the Biancelesti in the standings was unthinkable, and now the teams are just two points apart.

I think it is one of the most important derbies in recent years, be it on an emotional level or in terms of the standings: it could mean one team overtaking the other or put an end to the Giallorossi’s 15 game unbeaten streak, putting them out of the race for fourth place.

LAZIO Marco Baroni has done a great job this season, Lazio have almost always been in the top three, then they dropped off in form and suffered from a few injuries. The 4-2-3-1 formation isn’t one that excites me, even though lots of coaches are using it at the moment. To play with this formation effectively you need to have players who are in brilliant physical condition because it is a really demanding system. When you are less sharp, you tend to concede a lot more space to the opposing team, because you will usually have a numerical inferiority in midfield, and then, when you attack, you have less cover. In the moments when Lazio have dropped off physically, they have lost out on points. For this exact reason.

ROMA

Ranieri has organised a team built to reach important milestones. The Giallorossi should have been much further ahead, even though they are now in this brilliant run of form. The Roman coach, a true favourite with the fans and club, has brought a calmness that very few have and has brought a balance to the squad, which has created solidity. It’s not by chance that Roma have only lost three matches under Ranieri and drawn four. Seven of their 12 wins came with a one goal margin.

Compared to De Rossi and Juric’s sides, Ranieri’s side perhaps tend to be less flashy and focus on being more compact and think about bringing the result home.

THE MATCH

It will be an interesting match on a tactical level, Lazio’s 4-2-3-1 against Roma’s 3-4-2-1. In terms of Baroni’s side, the wingers will be fundamental as they will need to pin the Giallorossi’s wide men back. Doing so will allow Lazio to create a numerical superiority in the penalty area with the insertion of the attacking midfielder and the opposite central midfielder. If they lose the ball, the pitch will become a lot more stretched for Roma’s wingers, who will struggle to make an impact and cause problems. Isaksen will need to force Angelino to play in the defensive phase and will need to pin him back as much as possible to have him as far away from the penalty as possible, Zaccagni will need to do the same on the other flank. By doing this, they will be able to reduce the attacking potential of the Giallorossi.

Roma, however, will need to make the most of their numerical advantage in midfield with their attacking midfielders who will work well behind the opposing central midfielders.

Mancini and Ndicka will need to be smart in using the numerical superiority behind Lazio’s two midfielders to find Soulè between the lines, perhaps bringing the ball up to then serve the attacking midfielders directly and cut out the two Lazio midfielders. Then, from that point they will be able to make the most of Dovbyk’s work rate. I am curious to see if Baroni will change up his formation and use a 4-3-3 at times to provide more solidity and use the insertions of the inside forwards. Obviously every coach has their own belief and philosophy and will think more about their own team rather than the opponent, but the absence of important players like Nuno Tavares and probably Castellanos, might force him to make changes, even if it is just a small change that doesn’t alter his style of play.

KEY PLAYERS

On the one hand, I expect a lot from Soulè because he has incredible qualities and the club made a significant investment for him, also with a view to the potential departure of Dybala. At times, he has found less space than he has probably deserved, but now he is leading the Roma charge.

On the other hand, I think that the two central midfielders are having a great season, they are making an important contribution: Guendouzi and Rovella could be decisive in this clash.

(Photo Getty Images)