Interview I Journalist Filippo Biafora ahead of Lazio vs Roma: “It will be a much more fundamental match than any recent derbies”

All focus is set on the eternal city of Rome tomorrow evening as cross-city rivals Roma and Lazio are prepared to clash in the 2023/24 first edition of the Derby della Capitale at the Stadio Olimpico. With plenty on the line in the derby following the underwhelming start of both Roman clubs, as well as only a single point separating one another in the league standings, the Get Italian Football News team had Roma correspondent from Il Tempo Filippo Biafora preview the highly anticipated fixture. 

Biafora was first asked about the significance of the match given both the Giallorossi and Maurizio Sarri’s side’s poor start to the season:

“Both teams are not having a good moment in the championship and it will be a much more fundamental match than many recent derbies. whoever loses would be left behind in the championship in a truly important way.”

Despite Mourinho’s men losing their opening three games of this year’s term, Roma seem to have found consistency as they four of their last five outings in the league, their sole defeat coming from the league leaders Inter. Biafora was asked about what he perceived to be the turning point for the Giallorossi in recent period:

“The results have been coming and Roma undoubtedly had a good period in October, but I still don’t think the decisive turning point has arrived. the secret, however, was the desire not to give up until the last second.”

Since the arrvial of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in the summer following his loan-spell at Inter last year, the Belgian international found his stride as he notched six goals in nine games-played in the Serie A, proving to be a vital asset despite his underwhelming season with the Nerazzurri a year ago. Biafora provided his insight on the 30