Shop
Roma and Lazio sit fifth and fourth in the current Serie A standings respectively, both within touching distance of the league leaders, as the domestic campaign resumes at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.
And, with both local bragging rights and wider ambitions on the line, Strootman knows the Giallorossi will have to do their talking on the pitch.
"The derby isn't a novelty for me anymore, but it is always a special game - even more so this year because both us and Lazio are doing well," he said. "It will be a huge game and there isn't a favourite.
"We will see on Saturday which side is the better and who will take the three points."
Strootman has just returned from international duty, with the Netherlands enjoying two friendly victories as they start to rebuild after failing to qualify for next summer's World Cup.
"For me it's something strange [not to have qualified]," Strootman said. "In Holland we know that we have to change a lot of things to get back to our best.
"We are in the same situation as Italy."
Imperium Partners
Centurion Partners
