Fazio: The derby is intense but we will be ready

The Giallorossi are engaged in a battle with Napoli to finish second in the table, while leaders Juventus - who visit the Stadio Olimpico in May - are not yet beyond Luciano Spalletti's squad.

Fazio is aware of how big Sunday's game is, and how much it means to the fans.

"The derby is a massive game," Fazio said. "Erik Lamela, who used to play here, told me that back when I was with Tottenham. He told me all the secrets. We’ve played three derbies up until now and here we have another one, which is a key moment in this final stretch of the season.

"We want to reach second place and get into the Champions League. I think this is the biggest game of those we have left."

He added: "[This season] I think our biggest problem has been the fact we’ve dropped points against mid-table teams. In Italy, that’s often decisive. If we had won only half of those games, we’d still be fighting for the Scudetto. But it’s happened now; we can’t beat ourselves up over it."

Fazio has settled quickly into life in Italy, rapidly becoming a fixture in the Giallorossi side despite enjoying limited gametime over the last 18 months.

"I’ve always considered Italy as my second nation, given my family’s origins. I’ve got a special connection with this place," he said. :I couldn’t wait to play in the Italian league and to live in a city like Rome. I really like Italian culture and the people – it’s similar to Argentina.

"The football here is very tactical, tough and intense. I’m learning so much, especially with a coach like Luciano Spalletti. He’s got a great deal of experience and what he teaches goes beyond football. I think this first year in Serie A has been really positive."

Fazio was also asked about his two Argentine compatriots in the squad.

I played with Diego Perotti years ago, and I was fully aware of his quality," Fazio said. "I didn’t know Leandro Paredes, though. He’s really surprised me. He’s got a huge amount of technical quality; he’s young too. I think he’s got a great future ahead of him."