Roma vs Lazio preview - Roma aware of derby importance

Roma are going into Sunday's derby against Lazio believing it is make-or-break time as they pursue a top-three finish in Serie A.

The Romans are two places and seven points behind Lazio, who are fourth and level on 45 points with Udinese.

Udinese hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"Sunday's derby is incredibly important," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said.

"The third place will depend on the result of this game."

Roma dropped to sixth place after last weekend's embarrassing 4-1 loss at Atalanta.

"We arrive well to the derby despite Sunday's setback," Roma midfielder Fabio Simplicio said. "We have an opportunity on Sunday.

"We are alive in the tournament. We don't fear Lazio."

Roma welcome back captain Francesco Totti from suspension while midfielder Daniele De Rossi is to return to the starting line-up after being dropped for indiscipline last weekend by coach Luis Enrique.

The task for Luis Enrique is further complicated by the suspensions of defender Marco Cassetti, midfielder Fernando Gago and striker Daniel Osvaldo.

Roma have not lost at home since a 3-2 reverse to leaders AC Milan on October 23.

Lazio go into the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico on the back of a 1-0 triumph over Fiorentina.

The success, Lazio's 13th of the campaign, allowed the Biancoceleste to bounce back from defeats to Atletico Madrid and Palermo in the Europa League and Serie A respectively.

Sunday's result was just what the Biancoceleste fans needed after a turbulent week at the club, which saw coach Edy Reja offering to step down before changing his mind.

"I had a difference in opinions with the club president, but we have talked since and cleared the air, so I will stay at Lazio, now and in the future," Reja said. "The victory against Fiorentina was important.

"Now our focus in on the derby and we know that anything can happen.

"I hope to have 11 lions ready to give their all on the pitch."

Lazio will be without defender Luciano Zauri and midfielder Senad Lulic, both out injured, but welcome back defender Andre Dias and midfielder Francelino Matuzalem from suspension.

The last time both sides met earlier this season, Lazio won 2-1 to end a five-match losing streak against the Romans.