In Serie A’s Matchday 32, two standout fixtures capture attention: high-stakes clashes that could prove pivotal in the race for next season’s Champions League. On Sunday, at 12:30 PM in Bergamo, Atalanta will face Bologna, while later that evening, at 8:45 PM at the Stadio Olimpico, it’s the Derby della Capitale between Lazio and Roma.
Indeed, the key matches are Atalanta-Bologna and Lazio-Roma; these four teams are battling for a Champions League spot, and I would also rightly add Juventus to the mix. It’s going to be a significant weekend, and Lazio-Roma is undoubtedly the marquee match, given it’s the Derby della Capitale. This city rivalry is amplified by the current competitive standings of both teams, thanks largely to Roma’s remarkable comeback under Ranieri. In the first derby this season, Roma was still far behind Lazio, but now they’re right there in contention.
Who’s the favorite between Lazio and Roma in this city derby?
I see Roma as having the advantage, especially given Lazio’s recent struggles in the Europa League at Bodo—struggles tied not only to weather conditions and the artificial pitch but also technical issues, evident by how much Baroni’s team suffered. Bodo’s 2-0 victory could have even been more decisive, a factor that may psychologically impact Lazio, who must now attempt a difficult comeback at home next Thursday. Thus, from a physical and mental standpoint, I see Roma as favored. It’s true a derby has its own motivational power, but fatigue at this stage of the season cannot be overlooked. Lazio is also coping with key injuries, notably Tavares, another reason Roma appears better positioned. Should Roma win, they’d keep alive their hopes for fourth place until the very end. Conversely, if Lazio fails to win, given the daunting task awaiting them in their European quarterfinal second leg, their physical and mental energy could be almost entirely spent. This weekend will be a great test—exciting, entertaining, and enjoyable.
In the other major match, Atalanta versus Bologna, two smaller teams now competing among the big clubs, who do you see as favored?
Atalanta-Bologna is wide open—Bologna is in excellent form, while Atalanta has experienced a decline. If Bologna wins against Atalanta, it would send an important message, even though they have a challenging fixture list ahead, as does Roma. Italiano is doing an incredible job, managing to continue the momentum built by Thiago Motta’s Bologna last season, despite the departure of last year’s top player, Zirkzee. Atalanta, on the other hand, seems to be approaching the end of the Gasperini era, who himself has announced plans to leave. For Atalanta, fully embracing the Champions League fight is crucial now, especially after being dragged back into it due to three consecutive defeats. They must focus and not dwell on lost opportunities—just a month ago, they were in contention for the Scudetto.
