December 3rd, 2009 by Phil Lythell

This weekend sees one of the fiercest rivalries in football take place when AS Roma take on neighbours Lazio in Serie A.

Both teams share the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital for their home matches though that is where their mutual co-operation ends.

AS Roma traditionally draw their support from those with a leftist political persuasion and communist flags are a familiar feature in the stands at their matches. Lazio supporters meanwhile are more commonly associated with elements from the far-right and the club are often in trouble with the authorites due to their fans brandishing swastika-emblazoned flags as well as other fascist insignia and slogans.

There is no love lost in the stands and those feelings also stretch to those involved on the pitch. Roma’s talisman Francesco Totti has already fanned the flames prior to this particular encounter by belittling Lazio striker Mauro Zarate.

“For me there are other champions. He’s a good player but he certainly isn’t a champion. He still has to grow,” said Totti.

Though always a passionate occasion the match has a differing significance for each team. Lazio are currently hovering above the bottom three and will be looking for their first win in thirteen Serie A matches when they meet their arch-rivals on Sunday.

AS Roma have been resurgent under new manager Claudio Ranieri and will be gunning for all three points in order to drive them up the table towards European qualification.

Whatever the result, it will be a colourful, raucous and spicy affair.

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