AS Roma vs Lazio preview - Pioli confident ahead of Rome derby
Posted Saturday, January 10, 2015 by PA
Lazio coach Stefano Pioli expects a stern test at Roma in Sunday's Eternal City derby but is confident his team can keep up their good run of form.
The Biancoceleste head into the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico having enjoyed a winning start to 2015.
A 3-0 home triumph over Sampdoria on Monday was Lazio's third victory in their last four games and lifted Lazio to third in Serie A, nine points adrift of second-placed Roma.
"It's fantastic to be third and to have started the year with a win," Pioli told the Italian press. "This result gives us a lot of confidence.
"We are mature and we know that a derby is full of adversity.
"But we know our potential and I'm confident we can do well."
Pioli replaced Edoardo Reja as Lazio coach last summer and will take charge in his first Eternal City derby this weekend.
Pioli will be hoping Felipe Anderson can keep up his impressive form.
The Brazilian winger has scored three goals and set up two others in the Biancoceleste's last two games.
Lazio suffered a setback this week when midfielder Senad Lulic was ruled out for five weeks.
Lulic, who has scored three goals and set up four more in 16 league starts for Lazio, sustained a knee injury against Sampdoria.
Rivals Roma head into the contest knowing that if results go their way they could top the table by the end of the weekend.
Davide Astori's goal at Udinese handed Roma a 1-0 win on Tuesday and that result, coupled with Juventus' 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, allowed Rudi Garcia's side to close the gap on league leaders Juve to one point.
"This is a very important game for us," Roma's Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman said. "Our full focus in on the derby.
"Lazio are doing very well and we know we face a very difficult match.
"But we want to win at all costs."
Roma are unbeaten at home this season and have the second best attack and defence in the competition behind Juve.
Francesco Totti will lead Roma's attack alongside Adem Ljajic and Juan Manuel Iturbe.
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