The most intense and decisive match of Serie A’s 32nd round will be the Rome Derby, played on April 13. This match could be not only a battle between the capital’s two big clubs but also a turning point in the race for a Champions League spot.
At the moment, Lazio is in 6th place with 55 points, while Roma is one step behind with 53 points. The significance of the derby lies in the fact that the winner will gain a big advantage in the top-4 race.
Ranieri trusts Shomurodov and Dovbyk before the match
Since Claudio Ranieri took over, Roma has gone 15 matches unbeaten. But to break into the top four, they must beat Lazio today.
According to IL TEMPO, team leader Paulo Dybala may miss the match due to injury. As a result, Ranieri plans to start the game with Artem Dovbyk and Eldor Shomurodov up front.
“In the match against Lazio, Roma’s two central forwards are expected to play a decisive role. Artem Dovbyk and Eldor Shomurodov are determined to sensationally lead the team to the Champions League. Claudio Ranieri has instilled confidence in them, creating a turning point in their careers and making them key figures during this crucial stage,” writes IL TEMPO.
Shomurodov – the weapon off the bench
Special attention will be on Eldor Shomurodov. Since Ranieri’s appointment, he has scored 4 goals coming off the bench — that’s a third of Roma’s 11 substitute goals.
In particular, against Juventus, he equalized just 4 minutes after coming on. He also scored as a substitute in Europa League matches against both Eintracht and Athletic.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport analysts:
“No one at Roma can change a game like Eldor Shomurodov. In the last five years, he ranks third in goals scored as a substitute — behind only Lautaro Martínez (16) and Pedro (11) — with 10 goals.”
Dovbyk aiming to repeat Girona heroics in Roma
Artem Dovbyk is trying to replicate his top-level performances from Girona now at Roma. This season, he has already made his mark in several key matches with strong shots and finishes.
Shomurodov close to breaking his personal record
With 6 goals this Serie A season, Shomurodov is showing solid form. He scored 8 in his debut season at Genoa and is now just two goals away from setting a new personal record.
Big match, big night
The Lazio–Roma derby will be played on April 13, starting at 23:45 Tashkent time. The clash will be held at Rome’s Olimpico Stadium.
After this derby, the fight in Serie A will heat up even more — especially if attackers like Shomurodov and Dovbyk step up to decide the game.
