Roma director Frederic Massara has stated that the highly anticipated Derby della Capitale against city rivals Lazio, despite its immense emotional weight, should not be seen as a decisive turning point for the club`s season.
The crucial fixture is set to commence at the iconic Stadio Olimpico. This match comes after a mixed start to the season for the Giallorossi; they initially achieved a perfect record with two 1-0 victories over Bologna and Pisa. However, their flawless run was halted last week by a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Torino.
Massara on the Significance of the Derby
“It is merely the fourth week of the season, and therefore, I don`t believe it`s fair to categorize this game as a `crossroads`,” Massara explained in an interview with DAZN Italia. “We are fully aware that the derby is a truly special encounter, brimming with emotional significance. A positive outcome here could undoubtedly provide a substantial boost to the new project we`ve recently initiated.”
Roma faces additional challenges, as key forward Paulo Dybala sustained an injury during the Torino match and is consequently unavailable for today`s derby. He joins Wesley and Leon Bailey on the sidelines.
Discussing the team`s offensive capabilities, Massara highlighted the varied strengths of his players. He noted that certain individuals offer a distinct presence in the penalty area compared to other forwards. “They are both adapting to the coach`s tactical system, and we aim to leverage the talent within our squad effectively when the time is right,” he added, emphasizing the development of their attacking options.
Pellegrini`s Return and Future
In a notable development, Lorenzo Pellegrini is making his first start of the season since May 4th. This decision is particularly significant given ongoing discussions surrounding his contract, which is not currently scheduled for renewal beyond June 2026. When questioned about the possibility of Roma reconsidering a new deal for their former captain, Massara offered a pragmatic response:
“In football, circumstances can alter very swiftly,” Massara acknowledged. “Over the summer, we reached a mutual understanding with Pellegrini regarding a potential move away from Roma, which ultimately did not materialize. Presently, our entire focus is on the upcoming matches. Lorenzo is a strong and influential player who consistently brings quality to the team, and we are optimistic that he will demonstrate that once again today.”
