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Both sides go into the clash in great form, having started the season strongly. And, as the campaign moves into its middle phase, a victory for either side over their biggest rivals could prove a huge launchpad towards greater things.
El Shaarawy, who already has two derby goals to his name since joining Roma in January 2016, knows this as well as anyone.
“We know how important this game is not only for the players, but for the whole city," El Shaarawy said. "It’s prepared for more than a week, so it’ll be a game charged with intensity and we must get a result to build on our recent good run.
“Scoring in the Derby della Capitale is very special. I hope to find the net again on Saturday, but as I always say, the most important thing is that we win, it doesn’t matter who scores the goal.
“The support of the fans has always been fundamental for us, they really are like a 12th man. They help you to overturn any situation, fire you up and we can win any game with them behind us."
El Shaarawy is confident the team have the mentality and confidence to take the game to Lazio, who have already notched up an away win over Juventus this season - and are into the knockout stages of the Europa League.
“We’ve got to keep calm and do what we know, with belief and hard work," he noted. "Lazio are in good shape too, but we can have our say against anyone, as our win over Chelsea in the Champions League showed.
“Our season can turn on this match with Lazio - a victory would give us such a boost for the games that will come.”
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