Zeman Feels “Lazio Are the Favourites” in Derby della Capitale Against Roma

Zdenek Zeman expects Lazio to perform better than Roma in tomorrow’s Derby della Capitale, feeling that Maurizio Sarri is doing a better job than Jose Mourinho.

The Biancocelesti come into the derby in 5th place in the Serie A table, one point ahead of Roma and fellow European hopefuls Atalanta. A win tomorrow is key for both sides as they fight to secure a spot in the Europa League.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24) earlier today, Zeman first discussed the importance of the derby to the fans.

The Rome derby is special for the fans, not for the players. When I lost four in a season, my Roma team finished ahead of Lazio. So the mathematical truth is that it counts like all the other games.

Zeman suggested that Lazio are the favourites in the derby against Roma tomorrow.

Lazio are favourites. But in the derby the hierarchies are often not respected and the team that is stronger or fitter does not win.

The former Lazio and Roma coach compared the work of Maurizio Sarri and Jose Mourinho.

It’s not a question of preference. Sarri is doing better, he has already given Lazio an identity. Mourinho has failed to meet expectations so far.

Not on a communication level, but in the quality of the football he expresses. Roma still don’t understand what they want to do on the pitch, while Lazio are more square.

Finally, Zeman discussed Mourinho’s difficulties with the Giallorossi this season.

Everyone has difficulties when teams don’t work. But you have to agree on what we should expect from Roma.

If they asked Mourinho for the Scudetto with these players, then they were wrong. Scudetti are won with the best players, coaches win when they have the best team.

Lazio won the last Derby della Capitale meeting this season, beating Roma 3-2 thanks to goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Pedro and Felipe Anderson. They haven’t won both derby matches in the league since 2012.

Tags Biancocelesti Italy Lazio Lazio vs Roma Roma Roma vs Lazio Rome Serie A Zdeněk Zeman Zeman