Spalletti: The derby cannot become our raison d'être

“The Lazio game is always massive but it can't become our raison d'être,” declared the Giallorossi coach. “We have other things to focus on too and we want to once again pit our wits against Europe's elite.”

Spalletti's previous spell at the Roma helm saw him take charge of eight matches against Lazio, winning three, losing the same number and drawing two.

“There's a unique feel to the derby that stems from the passion that surrounds this team and this fixture. You can't help but get swept up in it.”

The coach also compared the two sides' league positions going into Sunday's clash.

“I would have liked to have played on an equal footing, with Lazio still challenging for something this season. We're the be-all and end-all for them at this moment in time, whereas we have other targets and we need to manage the emotion of this match in order to achieve our goals.”