Jose Mourinho assures Lorenzo Pellegrini will play for Roma against Lazio and can’t wait for this experience. ‘The derby without fans isn’t a derby.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT at the Stadio Olimpico and is also a head-to-head for European places.
“It’s a derby and that can never be a game like the others, it always has something more,” said Mourinho in his press conference.
“I have played many derbies in my time, but I am accustomed to excitement. The last time, it was basically behind closed doors and that is not a real derby. Now we are getting close to normality.
“The great thing about a derby is you can’t tell who is the home team and who isn’t. The derby without fans just isn’t a derby.
“The thing that struck me about Roma fans was the affection, even before coming here. Usually you have to earn affection and work for it, but they opened their hearts without receiving anything in return.”
The Giallorossi had good news after the midweek Europa Conference League draw with Vitesse, which saw them win 2-1 on aggregate.
There had been concerns Pellegrini would miss out with tonsillitis, but Mourinho assured “this isn’t a bluff, he has recovered and he will play tomorrow. The only one we’re missing is Leonardo Spinazzola.
“What Roma do I want to see tomorrow? The one that wins.”
Roma sold Pedro to rivals Lazio over the summer and he has made a very positive impact under Maurizio Sarri, so are there regrets?
“I don’t want to go through the whole story. If he scored nine goals for Lazio, good for him and good for Lazio.”