Three to Watch: Lazio look to replicate Coppa Italia approach

When the two sides faced each other last December in the league, the Giallorossi ran away with a 0-2 score line. However, the Biancocelesti recently forced Roma out of the Coppa Italia tournament, and Luciano Spalletti’s side will be wanting their revenge in this final encounter of the campaign.

With Lazio scoring at least two goals in five of their last six away matches, and Roma having the second-most goals scored in the league, a high-scoring affair is almost guaranteed in this encounter.

With such a swift and dynamic offence, our columnist believes these three attackers will be ready for Italy’s fiercest derby…

Ciro Immobile

After coming into the limelight of European football during his time with Torino in the 2013-14 season, the striker shuffled between clubs – first transferring to Borussia Dortmund, and then accepting a loan-move to Sevilla, before finding himself at Torino once again – and looked to be losing his way. Then he transferred to Lazio last summer.

After scoring with his debut for his new club in August, matchday has been almost always a joyous occasion for the centre forward this season, as he has scored and/or assisted in 23 out of 32 matches played.

With a true eye for goal, Immobile has often been praised by his coaches for his strong work-ethic. Such combination makes him a particularly dangerous threat, and he will be avid to impress in the derby once again after proving deadly in the Coppa Italia tie.

Keita Balde

Born to Senegalese parents in the Spanish region of Catalonia, Keita was raised through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, and has used this experience combined with his natural athleticism to become a major player in Serie A.

Still developing, and just 22 the wing-forward is currently having the most prolific season of his career – scoring 11 times and creating two assists.

His blistering speed down the wing can be exhausting for those opponents tasked with covering him, while his skillful dribbling allows him to cut towards goal and shoot with his equally-balanced feet.

While he has attracted suitors from Europe’s top clubs, Keita has remained level-headed, and has continued to perform well this season.

Felipe Anderson

A major force for the Biancocelesti since his arrival in the summer of 2013, the talismanic player has been a constant weapon under coach Simone Inzaghi, featuring in a total of 31 matches.

While his defensive contribution leaves something to be desired, Anderson is undoubtedly the driving force behind Inzaghi’s attack. With dribbling skill his Brazilian compatriots would be proud of, his mastery with the ball at his feet makes him a hugely-dangerous outlet.

While he has underwhelmed in goals scored in comparison to past seasons - registering just three – the attacking midfielder has created nine assists – putting him near the top of the Serie A standings. Furthermore, he has helped maintain possession and scoring opportunities for his teammates, completing 1031 passes with a pass accuracy of 75% - of which 78% were forward passes.

Anderson is no stranger to the pressure and importance of a Derby della Capitale at this point and, while Inzaghi may consider using only one of him and Keita at a time on Sunday – bringing the other on for fresh legs in the second half – he will be eager to make the most of the opportunity he gets.