With key figures like Ciro Immobile and Paulo Dybala absent, the upcoming Derby della Capitale will likely prove even edgier than usual.
Things are always tense in the Italian capital leading up to the derby and this week has been no different for Roma and Lazio, although both for opposite reasons.
Roma secured their spot in the Round of 16 of the Europa League and are starting to show the signs of consistency needed in the fight for a top four finish, whilst Lazio crashed out of the competition and are starting to show signs of weakness without their talismanic forward.
Jose Mourinho cannot count on Leonardo Spinazzola, Ebrima Darboe, Paulo Dybala and Georginio Wijnaldum for the derby, whilst Maurizio Sarri will have to do without the injured Ciro Immobile and the suspended Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
For Roma, they lose some key creativity going forward, putting further reliance on the struggling Tammy Abraham. Lazio lose the lifeblood of their team, missing two loud leaders on the pitch who also are the beating hearts of the squad.
This situation leaves both coaches with weaker teams in one of the most important games of the season for both sides, a clash that carries an extra weight and tense atmosphere unlike any other game in the season.
With a number of key stars absent, the upcoming Derby della Capitale will likely be a visceral and suffocating affair, giving both squads the chance to flex their muscles on the tensest stage.