View from the opposition: Lazio

We hear from Matteo Petrucci, Sky Sport Italia's Lazio correspondent. He explains to asroma.com why the Biancocelesti are not enjoying a great season and how they'll approach the derby, before revealing which Roma player he'd gladly see in Lazio colours.

How would you assess Lazio's campaign thus far with eight matches remaining this season?

“A massive disappointment given how high expectations were after last season's third-place finish. Unless they stage an unlikely surge up the table, Lazio won't qualify for Europe, which means you have to view the campaign as sub-par and disappointing. I think last term's excellent third-place finish meant people overestimated the quality of Stefano Pioli's squad. The injury to Stefan de Vrij in defence has weighed heavily on the backline, who haven't managed to find an adequate replacement for him."

How have the new signings fared this season?

“In general terms, definitely not well, given that the only one of the new arrivals to have really won plaudits is the Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who's still young and has good potential. The other new faces haven't been good enough, namely forward Alessandro Matri, Spanish defender Patric and English midfielder Ravel Morrison who - like centre back Milan Bisevac (a January signing from Lyon) - has not impressed. I'll reserve judgement on Dutchman Ricardo Kishna, as his season has been scuppered by injuries, though he has managed two goals from his 11 appearances. In light of his age and potential, I think we'll be able to properly assess him next year."

Who has been Lazio's player of the season?

“Lazio captain Lucas Biglia, who has maintained his fine form from last season."

How about Lazio's best performance this term?

“The win at Inter just before Christmas, where Pioli's team won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Antonio Candreva. That was the same brilliant Lazio side we saw last season. That result was even more significant because the Biancocelesti came into the game in an awkward league position with Pioli fighting for his job, while Inter sat firmly top of the table."

Conversely, what's been the worst display of the campaign and what went awry?

“I'll mention two games. If we're just going on league matches, I'd say the 4-0 defeat at Chievo in the second week of the season. Lazio didn't turn up that day in late August and lost to a respectable side albeit a much lesser team on paper. If we look at the Europa League, I have to reference the recent loss against Sparta Prague in the last 16 second leg. That was very disappointing for a host of reasons: First, Lazio came into the match on the back of a good 1-1 draw in the first leg; second, the Biancocelesti had enough to beat the Czech side; third, they got their approach all wrong, in a match which had become the most important of the season for Pioli's team."

Which areas of the pitch are operating well and where do you think Lazio have underperformed?

“I think we have to say the midfield has been the best of a bad bunch because of the way Lazio's season has gone. Biglia has always played well when he's been fit, Marco Parolo - although not the same player as last season - hasn't done badly and, as I've said, Milinkovic-Savic has been decent. Ogenyi Onazi and Danilo Cataldi haven't done a lot wrong when they've been called upon either. The defence, however, have really struggled in the absence of De Vrij. Pioli has tried but failed to find someone of the same standard to deputise."

What's your take on the title race and the way things are shaping up for Champions and Europa League football next season?

“Juve have to be favourites for the Scudetto, although you must give Napoli credit, as they're hanging in there. I think Roma are best placed to take third because of their form and the quality of their squad. I believe Inter and Fiorentina will finish behind the Giallorossi."

What have you made of Roma under Luciano Spalletti?

“The results speak for themselves. Eight straight wins is no coincidence and therefore you have to say he's done excellently. Besides Spalletti's big impact, I also think they got their signings spot on in January. They've had a positive influence, particularly Stephan El Shaarawy and Diego Perotti."

Who should Lazio supporters be most wary of?

“If he starts, I'd go with El Shaarawy because of the type of player he is and the form he's in."

If you could pick one Roma player for the Lazio squad, who would you opt for and why?

“I'd choose Kostas Manolas because Lazio are currently missing a top-class centre half and because the Greek is an excellent footballer who's getting better all the time. I could have selected one of Spalletti's numerous attacking options but given the current situation, the Greek is the player who could bring the most to the Biancocelesti cause."

Give us a score prediction for Sunday.

“I don't expect a great game because, rather unusually, Lazio won't go straight on the attack. They'll sit back and invite the Giallorossi onto them in their own half. I think it'll be a quiet derby, so I'll go for 0-0."