Rome vs Lazio preview - More than three points - Andreazzoli
Posted Monday, April 08, 2013 by PA
Victory in the Rome derby is worth much more than three points, according to Roma head coach Aurelio Andreazzoli, with his Lazio counterpart urging his own players to have no fear at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi are eager to avenge November's defeat by closing a three-point gap on their capital city rivals, with a Lazio win promising critical damage to Roma's slim chances of securing a top-four finish.
Andreazzoli takes sole charge of his first derby having served La Maggica as a coach since 2005 and he is relishing the prospect.
He told Gazzetta.it: "I've felt this way on the night before this game so many times - the emotion and the apprehension - but this time those feelings are doubled.
"I'm certain we need all three points from the derby, I have no doubt about that.
"This game is worth much more than that, though. The players will agree with me. We have to turn this pressure to our advantage and make the most of it.
"My life brings a lot of stress but I get the pleasure of living through these moments in the first person. Not many people get the privilege to compete in a Rome derby.
"You cannot deny that Lazio have proved themselves to be a great team. I admire the team for their character and the manager has done very well.
"They are the team to beat."
Striker Pablo Osvaldo and full-back Ivan Piris are suspended with injured forwards Mattia Destro and Nico Lopez almost certainly ruled out.
Lazio striker Miroslav Klose, who has tasted victory in his four career games against Roma, could start after nearing full recovery from a leg injury.
Bosnian tactician Petkovic must juggle his injury-stricken squad with Sergio Floccari, Andre Dias, Cristian Brocchi, Abdoulay Konko, Marius Stankevicius and Pereirinha all unavailable.
Serie A's second all-time goalscorer Francesco Totti will likely lead the line for Roma but Lazio boss Petkovic would not single out any player for special attention.
He said: "I'm not worried about anyone in particular, just their collective, who are getting better from game to game.
"We respect them, but there is nothing to fear.
"Roma have done well so far. They are a closely-knit team and they will most definitely be hungry for victory.
"But the strength of Lazio comes from the team spirit we have which can help us achieve anything we want.
"We will give everything, but most of all we need to approach the derby with intelligence and humility.
Roma may have won four of their last six league matches to Lazio's two from 10 - but the Biancocelesti have won the last three derbies.
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