Alisson ready for derby cauldron

Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker is looking forward to the challenge of his first league derby with the Giallorossi, with the Derby della Capitale looming on Saturday.

The game at the Stadio Olimpico will be the Brazilian’s first derby in Serie A, after playing in both legs of the Giallorossi’s eventual Coppa Italia semi-final defeat last season.

And the shot-stopper believes those two experiences, while ultimately disappointing, will give him valuable experience ahead of an eagerly-anticipated league meeting.

“I played the derby in the Coppa Italia – unfortunately it did not go well, but I learned what the derby means to the city, for the fans,” Alisson told Sky Sport Italia. “It would be great to win my first derby in Serie A, especially considering both sides are doing well at the moment.

“Each game has its own story. I have worked hard, also while with the national team, with the derby in mind. I feel ready.”

The 25-year-old has earned widespread praise for his performances this season, becoming a worthy wearer of the No. 1 shirt after Wojciech Szczesny started Roma’s Serie A contests last season. And he believes he has improved in a number of ways since arriving in Italy.

“I think I have improved a little in every aspect: passing out from the back, clearances, saves, footwork … I am always trying to improve in every area,” he said, before being asked to compare himself to Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

“It’s difficult to answer that: he [Strakosha] is a great goalkeeper, he’s young – even if I am only a year older! He’s good with his hands and with his feet, and he’s started the season well. But I’ve being doing well too…”

Alisson has just returned from international duty, with Brazil beginning their preparation for next summer’s World Cup in Russia with a friendly win over Japan and draw with England.

The goalkeeper was asked whether a World Cup victory or Serie A title was more likely.

“Both are 50-50,” he responded. “Nothing is won yet, this is the way we have to approach it. Of course we are on the right path, we have players of the highest quality, and [with Brazil] we’ve done well in qualification.

“We want to try and be there at the end in both the Scudetto race and at the World Cup.”