De Rossi: ‘I did not miss Roma-Lazio anxiety’

Daniele De Rossi admits he ‘did not miss the anxiety’ he felt before the Derby della Capitale, but is ‘privileged’ to experience it as Roma coach against old rivals Lazio.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

The Giallorossi lost only one of their domestic matches since De Rossi took over from Jose Mourinho in mid-January and are gearing up for the Europa League quarter-final against Milan.

However, they are fresh from a 0-0 draw away to Lecce, which left them trailing in the race for a Champions League spot.

“We fired the lads up to the right level, because we need the balance between being too switched off against an opponent that will be ready for battle, and being too fired up, irritable and error-prone,” De Rossi told DAZN.

“That is a difficult balance to find, but we have many experienced players who are accustomed to matches like this, so I have confidence.”

The big news is the return of Lorenzo Pellegrini from suspension, but above all Dybala is ready to start following another injury that ruled him out of international duty.

“He is doing well, he trained with the group for several days, did the distances and sprints that he couldn’t do before Lecce. We knew that we couldn’t rush his return, we couldn’t afford that risk, but now he is ready and will have a great match.”

Following his retirement, De Rossi famously put on a disguise so he could watch the Derby della Capitale from the Curva Sud. Did he miss being involved?

“I did not miss the anxiety I am feeling right now, no! But this is the joy of our sport and our city. It is one of the biggest games in the world, I am fortunate to have played many of them – and to have also played in the Boca Juniors derby on the other side of the world – and even more privileged now to experience it from the touchline.”