Roman sides focus on derby

By Nadia Carminati
Both Roma and Lazio have problems ahead of the Roman derby at the weekend.

Lazio need to bounce back from a humiliating defeat in the UEFA Champions League to Chelsea, whilst Roma look set to be without star man Cristian Chivu.

Romanian Chivu dislocated his shoulder in the Uefa Cup game against Hajduk Split, and although he has not officially been ruled out, is still in a great deal of pain.

The match is one of the biggest in Italian football, and the teams' respective captains outlined just how much a victory would mean.

"For me this is an exceptional match," said Roma's Francesco Totti.

"The opponent is due respect as are the fans.

"We are the stronger side, but I am sure it will be a beautiful match."

Lazio's Giuseppe Favalli wants his side to put a 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea behind them and put their season back on track.

"Against Roma we must put everything we have into the game," said Favalli.

"We have suffered a major setback but a win against Lazio would allow us to forget all of that."

Vincent Candela will join Chivu on the sidelines, whilst Lazio are without Roberto Muzzi and Claudio Lopez and will have to wait on Angelo Peruzzi's fitness.