Luciano Spalletti's pre-derby press conference in full

As usual, the coach began by giving an update on the injury status of his squad.

“[Kostas] Manolas and [Stephan] El Shaarawy are training with the rest of the squad while [Leo] Paredes and [Mohamed] Salah are working separately," Spalletti said. "[Alessandro] Florenzi and [Abdullahi] Nura are continuing with their respective recovery plans.

"[Mohamed] Salah won't be involved tomorrow and he probably won't be available for the next one either.”

It's often said the derby is impossible to call. Is that even more the case this time?

“The first thing we have to say is that [Simone] Inzaghi has done a great job with his team to set this up as a top-of-the-table derby. Both teams are doing well this season so there's a lot riding on it. It's more exciting when there are lots of teams challenging for the top spots. It makes for a better spectacle.”

Will you change formation with Salah unavailable?

“No matter what formation we play, the aim is always to go out there and play football – that's the most important thing. We've shown we're able to adapt and play in different ways, last season one way and this season another. We've played well regardless of the tactics employed. Salah excels when it comes to getting in behind the opposition's backline but we're perfectly capable of playing on the deck too. We have to make sure that what we do influences the outcome of the game.”

Could you perhaps push Bruno Peres forward?

“That's one option, yes, but there are others. We have [Manuel] Iturbe and [Francesco] Totti too. With the squad we have, there are a number of options available to us.”

The Roma fans won't be there though...

"The people who work here see and feel the Roman spirit every day of the week, regardless of whether or not the fans come to the stadium. It's a way of life, the way you greet people, the way you look at each other. We're a part of that all week long so we don't need any further input. It's like a second skin and no matter how close or far it is, you feel it all the same.”

People say this is a nasty derby. You've been involved in a few in your time. How would you describe it?

“I see the derby as a special game but one you win the same way as any normal game. It affects two sets of standings: the Serie A table and the eternal battle between these two teams. I've seen images and read various comments and ideas this week. I have to think of that Chapecoense player Alan [Ruschel] and the video of him all happy to be going off to play a match. That's the sort of passion football needs. That's what football is all about: playing with a ball. There's no race in football, just a ball.”

Is is an advantage or a disadvantage to have players who are Roman and Roma fans like Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti in the squad?

“If you're able to control your emotions and keep a clear head then it's an advantage. If you think about it 24 hours a day and get totally wrapped up in it mentally, then you can end up playing with nine men. It's the quality of your players that makes the difference. They need the character to weigh everything up rationally with a balanced mind.”

Is this team better than the one that lost its way early on in the last derby you played in your previous time at Roma?

“I remember the derby from last season better, when we won. I believe the Roma players have what it takes to win this derby. It's not like when you play Real Madrid and you know you need to really excel in lots of areas if you're to win the game. We just have to try and be ourselves as much as possible. It will certainly be difficult because they're in good shape and they're playing good football, but Roma can give as good as they get and come away with a result from this derby. We have to make the right choices at the right time.”

It seems Lazio have been putting everything into this derby. Is that perhaps a limit?

“I don't know. I haven't read what Inzaghi said. We're focusing all of our attention on this game now because it's a massive one and it means a lot, but up until three days ago we were focused on our other matches.”

People say Roma have had lulls in concentration while Lazio have been very solid mentally. Is it hard going into the derby with Lazio as favourites?

“We're actually a point ahead of them, but of course we do need to improve. I'm happy with my team. I love my players and sometimes when you're in love you say what's not working. I'm sure my players will put everything they have into improving what's not going well. Looking back over past games, you often see choices that are partially wrong but not completely. It's good for us if Lazio are favourites – it's an extra reason for us to prove that we're a match for them.”

How's Thomas Vermaelen doing? Could he play at left-back?

“Thomas is a centre-back but since he can pass the ball and has got pace and technique, he can play anywhere. His position is centre-back though. He's looking very good. He's done some specific training to put him to the test. If he plays, I'm sure he'll be useful to us.”

Will it be more important to attack well or defend well?

“It's crucial that we pick our moments.You can't have everything go your way for the whole match. Knowing when to choose the right moment can make all the difference. We have to play like Roma at all times.”