Roma favourites for derby, says Inzaghi
milan — Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi says Roma are favourites for Sunday’s derby but is hoping a determined push for a Europa League place is enough to tip the balance in their favour.
Roma host Lazio at the clubs’ shared Stadio Olimpico at the early kick-off time of 1030 GMT looking for the win that would help secure Serie A’s second automatic Champions League qualifying spot.
With Napoli in third only four points adrift before visiting Inter Milan late on Sunday, Roma can illafford a second consecutive home disappointment after being held 1-1 by Atalanta.
Inzaghi, brother of retired AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi, says Roma have the edge. But having witnessed a clinical Lazio end Roma’s cup run he is hoping for a repeat.
“We have a few tough games coming up, including against Roma, who will be the favourites,” Inzaghi said on Saturday. “They’ll be fired up after their painful cup exit and they have a great coach for whom I have a lot of respect so we need a big performance.”
Lazio’s unlikely title hopes ended months ago and they sit fourth, in a Europa League spot, with the fight for a place in the competition looking set to go down to the wire.
Yet in a season that could see them finish with two trophies, Inzaghi has overseen significant progress at the club.
A combination of quiet determination, tactical nous and man-management skills has squeezed the best out of established stars like Ciro Immobile and Felipe Anderson while bringing through emerging players like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Keita Balde.
Milinkovic-Savic and Immobile struck in a 2-0 cup semifinal firstleg win over Roma, and then again in a 3-2 second-leg defeat that secured a June 2 Italian Cup final with holders Juventus.
“I expect to see the same winning mentality we had in the cup derbies,” added Inzaghi.
“If you ask me, tomorrow’s game will be an intense and physical encounter so we’ll need that pace and determination.” —