Lazio director Igli Tare insists the Rome derby is ‘not a game you play, you just have to win’ and it’s particularly crucial in the race for a top four finish.
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Last season, the Aquile were flying high and challenging for the Scudetto, but this time they are playing catch-up with their local rivals Roma.
“It’s a new year, new season, new motivation, but it’s also early. We’re running late, we know that we need a win this evening to stay in the fight for the Champions League,” Tare told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am very happy to be here representing Lazio.”
Tare was asked which players he would like to poach from Roma, but simply shook his head.
“Nobody. I am concentrated on my players, we respect Roma, as they are a good team and have the same objectives as us, but I would always prefer my current players.”
Roma have a new director of sport, Tiago Pinto, who is in the stands for the first time tonight.
“I know him, he knows football very well on the European level, he did great work at Benfica and Roma have really made a great appointment by bringing him in.”
The game is behind closed doors, but Lazio and Roma ultras both gathered at the training grounds this afternoon to fire up the teams.
“They have always been by our side, it was a lovely gesture and they have been suffering almost a year not coming to the stadium. Hopefully with a victory this evening, we’ll be able to celebrate together again soon.
“When you’ve been in this city for many years, you know what the derby means. You don’t need to give a financial reward for the derby. There is a great deal of tension, it’s not a game you play, you just have to win.”
Senad Lulic is back in the squad for the first time since his ankle surgery in February 2020.
“He had a very difficult year, almost a full year out injured. His return was evaluated for the end of October, he had a few relapses, but fortunately he is doing better now. He is the captain, both on the field and off it, so we are very happy to have him back in the locker room.
“Lulic comes in, Djavan Anderson goes out, because we have a limited squad list that we are allowed, so it’s not easy to bring in alternatives.
“More than bringing the average age down, the objective is to make a competitive squad. Young players are part of the project, especially considering the difficulties we’ve been having over the last year with injuries.”