Neither Roma nor Lazio would be too focused on Coppa Italia if they weren’t pitted against each other, but this way both sides will take this game as seriously as if it were a title decider. There will be no return leg, meaning the team that win the match will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Ranieri losing control over the dressing room

After Roma lost four and drew two of their first six games this season, not too many people expected Claudio Ranieri’s team to mount a serious title challenge, but the Giallorossi managed to kick-start their league campaign and are currently one of the in-form teams in Serie A. not even the clashes Claudio Ranieri had with Adriano, Totti and Vucinic have affected team’s performances as Roma won four of their last five league games to close the gap behind leaders Milan to just six points. The team are full of confidence following the good string of performances and they are hoping to gain an extra momentum by beating the bitter rivals in Coppa Italia.

Keeper Julio Sergio returns to the starting line-up after serving a suspension, but Philippe Mexes remains an injury doubt even though he is in the squad to face Lazio. David Pizarro remains sidelined.

Lazio still going strong

Lazio surprised the whole of Italy with their magnificent start to the season and even though everyone expected them to fall sooner or later, that did not happen. With the squad from last season virtually unchanged and the addition of Hernanes, the Biancocelesti have been playing some great football this season and the mere fact they are still just four points behind Milan is the perfect proof. Lazio made amends for the home defeat to Lecce as they recorded a narrow win against Sampdoria and they now aim to get one over their fierce rivals. Edy Reja faces certain selection problems, but he should, nonetheless, be able to field a very strong side.

Stefano Mauri could be preferred to Hernanes in midfield, while Giuseppe Biava returns from suspension. Meghni, Garrido, Matuzalem and Rocchi are out injured.

Verdict

There is no doubt we will see a tight game, but we see Roma as favourites here. The Giallorossi seem to be in better form at the moment and they are relentless in front of the home fans, whereas Lazio have some important missings and are look to be far from the desired form.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 2.06 (21/20)

Bookmaker: 188bet