Olympic Stadium Rome, 6.30pm
COPPA ITALIA finals time and it’s a Rome derby at Stadio Olimpico. The teams were split by a single point in the standings of Italy Serie A so the game could not be more closely matched.
Roma go into the game in good form, with five wins, three draws and one defeat from their last nine games.
This sequence is all the more impressive when you see they played Milan, Napoli, Lazio and Inter in that time.
The side look far more comfortable under Auerelio Andreazzoli. The Zeman experiment went as expected with the side scoring goals for fun and playing entertaining attacking football while also slipping down the table as they capitulated defensively time and time again.
Roma finished the Italy Serie A season in sixth with 18 wins, eight draws and 12 defeats. They go into this game keen to win and gain a silver star for what would be their 10th Coppa Italia success and also to enter Europa League.
Roma have injuries to Martin Skelenburg in goal and Daniele de Rossi but good news in Marquinhos is recovered from injury. Talisman Francesco Totti will go into the game fresh as he has missed recent game time with a suspension.
Lazio go into the game in mixed form with three wins, three draws and three defeats from the last nine games. On the last day of the season they ended with a defeat and lost sixth position to Roma.
Ending the season in seventh with 18 wins, four draws and 13 defeats, Lazio go into the game with injury worries over several key players. Defenders Michael Ciani and Ogenyi Onazi are receiving intensive therapy while key man for Biancocelesti, Hernanes, is rated doubtful. If he is confirmed missing Lazio lose their attacking impetus.
Verdict
A huge game for both sides and another game I feel could be a cracking tie. The whole thing adds up to a super occasion for Italian football.
Roma v Lazio in a major final, with local bragging rights and a place in European competition up for grabs.
With the addition of Psy playing Gangnam Style before the match what more could a football fan want?
I really fancy a fresh and in-form Roma to take this game. The sheer importance of this occasion and the derby factor means it's not entirely straight forward.
Recommended Bet
Roma 1.75 @ bet365
Milesey (Betfair)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
First or anytime scorer?
Chris, I’ll be looking at Osvaldo.