Lazio vs AS Roma preview - Reja rallies Lazio ahead of Roman derby
Posted Sunday, October 16, 2011 by PA
Lazio coach Edy Reja wants his players to show an unrivalled spirit as they try to halt their losing run in the Roman derby.
The Biancoceleste, who will be at home, have lost their last five meetings against Roma, four of them under Reja.
If there is one club Lazio fans want to see their team beat every year, it is Roma.
"We have to only focus on the pitch and play a great game," Reja said.
"Everyone expects that from us.
"We have to go out on the pitch with our heart and if you play with heart you will you get a result.
"The derby is something extraordinary but I have enough experience to deal with the pressure that goes with it."
Lazio and Roma go into the sell-out encounter at the Stadio Olimpico level on eight points after five games.
The Biancoceleste have yet to win at home, while Roma are on a four-match unbeaten run.
Roma will not have captain Francesco Totti, who is out with a thigh injury, but summer signings Bojan and Daniel Osvaldo will feature.
"I've seen some videos of the derby in the past," said Bojan, who opened his goal account in a 3-1 triumph against Atalanta in Roma's last game.
"The derby is really felt in the city of Rome and it will be worth far more than three points on offer.
"We will do everything possible not to disappoint our fans."
Osvaldo, who is Roma's leading scorer with three goals, is fully focused on Sunday's game.
Whatever his thoughts are, he is not going to reveal them.
"I prefer to do the talking on the pitch," he said.
"I will only speak about the derby after the game."
Roma coach Luis Enrique is unlikely to hand Erik Lamela his Serie A debut this weekend despite the Argentinian playmaker having recovered from an ankle injury.
Lazio have received good news ahead of the encounter with their top scorer Miroslav Klose available to play after shaking off a knee injury.
The German forward is set to partner Djibril Cisse in Lazio's attack.
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