AS Roma vs Lazio preview - Biancoceleste boss warns about `hurt` Roma

Lazio are hoping to snap a four-match losing streak in the Eternal City derby and strengthen their grip on a Champions League qualifying spot when they take on struggling rivals Roma.

The Biancoceleste head into the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico in fourth place, five points clear of Roma with 10 games remaining.

The top four teams in Serie A qualify for Europe's elite club competition.

"If all goes well, we can extend our gap with Roma to eight points," Lazio striker Mauro Zarate said. "For us, there is only one possible result and that is victory."

Last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Palermo left Lazio one point clear of in-form Udinese.

"We want to hold on to fourth spot," Zarate said. "If we win, we could even climb to third. We are aware of the importance of this derby."

Lazio trail two points behind Napoli, who are third and visit Parma on Sunday.

Momentum is certainly with the Biancoceleste but Lazio president Claudio Lotito has warned his players to expect a "wounded" Roma.

"I think this game is going to be very difficult for us because Roma is hurt," Lotito said.

"We need to go out determined, united and humble if we are to come out triumphant."

Sunday's match will be Vincenzo Montella's first derby as coach since replacing Claudio Ranieri at the helm of the Giallorossi.

"It's going to be strange at first to see Montella on the bench considering that only a few years back he was my rival on the pitch," Lazio striker Sergio Floccari said.

Montella will be hoping his team, who will act as hosts on Sunday, bounce back immediately from their elimination from the Champions League.

Roma lost 3-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday to crash out of the competition with a 6-2 aggregate result.

The Giallorossi have yet to lose on the domestic front under Montella with seven points collected in their last three matches.

The good news for Montella is that captain Francesco Totti has recovered from a thigh injury and is expected to lead Roma's attack, but team-mate Matteo Brighi serves a one-match ban.