Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has described the Derby della Capitale against Roma, describing it as one of the most intense and most-followed derbies in the world.

The Derby della Capitale is always a special match, and Maurizio Sarri is no stranger to the emotions and intensity that come with it. As Lazio prepares to take on archrivals Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, Sarri is focused on the task at hand. “The feeling is always the same: It’s a special match, an emotional one,” Sarri said at his pre-match press conference.

Sarri has a deep understanding of the derby’s significance, having taken part in six previous matches against Roma. He remembers the one loss vividly, recalling the discomfort and sadness that lingered long after the final whistle.

“I remember the discomfort in the following days, this infinite sadness that gets on you and makes you truly understand what the derby means,” he said.

Despite Lazio’s disappointing start to the season, Sarri is confident that his team can cause an upset against Roma. He mentioned that Taty Castellanos and Nicolo Rovella could be available for the match, but he’s unwilling to make any promises.

“I don’t know who is injured. Castellanos seems to be a bit further ahead, he could recover. We’ll evaluate Rovella today,” Sarri said.

Sarri wasn’t swayed by Roma’s higher position in the table, emphasizing that the derby is a match between two groups of people who “hate each other” from a sporting perspective. “I don’t care about any of that. The derby is a match between two groups of people, who, from a sporting perspective, hate each other, so I just want my favourite to go in and fight for their people,” he said.

The early kick-off slot has drawn criticism from Sarri, who believes it’s a defeat for football. “I think that the timing will be heavy for us, but it will also be heavy for them. The time of the game does not mean defeat for Lazio or Roma, though, it’s a defeat for football and in my opinion, for the footballing institutions,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Sarri is focused on the match, knowing that it’s a game worth fighting for. “If there is a game that is worth fighting for, it is this one,” he said. The intensity and emotions will be high, but Sarri’s team will be ready to give it their all.