Lazio and Roma duel in crucial Rome derby clash

The Derby della Capitale is always a fiery fixture, yet this penultimate Serie A battle between Rome rivals Lazio and Roma (12/5 to win with Coral) carries more meaning than most.

Having spent the past few matchweeks tussling for second spot, and the automatic Champions League place that goes with that, the Eagles and Giallorossi now have the chance to tackle each other directly.

In the reverse, the Stadio Olimpico sides split the spoils 2-2 in dramatic fashion, so back the Italian capital clubs at 6/4 to end on even terms again, and 9/1 to repeat the previous scoreline.

Giallorossi talisman Francesco Totti was the goal hero against the Eagles last time, as the loyal and lethal forward bagged a brilliant brace to clinch a valuable point for the Eternal City outfit.

Totti and fellow Roma stalwart Daniele De Rossi have the characters for big occasions, and are priced at 13/2 and 12/1 to strike first and last respectively, while midfield dynamo Radja Nainggolan, who was on target last time out, is available at a tempting 10/3 in the anytime market.

Lazio, meanwhile, must recover from a difficult midweek defeat to champions Juventus in the Coppa Italia final. With no silverware left to fight for, Stefano Pioli’s men, who sit one point adrift of Roma, need to dust themselves off and ensure they return to Europe’s top club competition next campaign.

It has been a fantastic season for the attack-minded Eagles, who also proved they can give as good as they get tactically against the Old Lady, and they can take confidence from their fine recent record against Roma as they head into this clash.

Lazio have been beaten just once in their last eight against their cross-capital rivals, so are generously priced at 17/10 to take all three points from this feisty fixture.

Serbian sharpshooter Filip Djordjevic is a tasty 21/10 to score anytime, after his impressive effort against Juve rebounded unluckily off the inside of both posts. Having almost handed the Eagles victory, the Belgrade-born poacher will be rivaling prolific Miroslav Klose (5/1 to fire home first) for the spot up top.

Sought-after Brazilian star Felipe Anderson’s fabulous feet and quick thinking have also been attracting attention, and the Eagles attacker has already breached Roma’s rearguard this term, making the exciting talent a 13/2 chance to net last.

Having previously surrendered a two goal lead to the Giallorossi, Lazio cannot afford to crumble again as, with Champions League spot hopefuls Napoli not far behind, the Eagles will not want to end their season ruing missed opportunities.

For this superb Serie A fixture our top betting tip is: Lazio and Roma @ 6/4 to draw