Delio Rossi fired up
Posted 22 Oct '05, 20:40 PM
Lazio boss Delio Rossi has warned that “any apathetic people should stay at home” for what is set to be a passionate Rome derby.
“The derby is a game for people with blood rushing through their veins and certainly isn’t a place for the apathetic,” stated the Coach.
Last season the showdown ended goalless amid strong protests from both sets of fans, who felt the teams contented themselves with a point apiece to avoid relegation.
That probably isn’t an option this time, as Roma are desperate for a result that will shake off their poor form, while Lazio are for once the favourites after winning all four of their games at the Olimpico this term.
“Roma are a good side and perhaps on paper they are stronger than my team, but I think Lazio are on a high going into this clash and are certainly more confident.”
It’s Rossi’s first Rome derby since making the move from Atalanta in the summer and he is already getting into the swing of things, responding to Vincenzo Montella’s assertion that Lazio were a poor side.
“If we managed to beat Fiorentina and Palermo, then we can’t be that bad, can we? That is all I need to say on the matter – look at our results and then decide. It’s my first derby, but it has been going for three months.”
As it is the home derby for Roma, three-quarters of the Stadio Olimpico will be wearing Giallorossi colours.
“We won’t let that atmosphere get to us and we are certainly not afraid,” said Rossi. “I hope that our performance will turn the Olimpico blue and white.”
(Channel4)
