Massara: ‘Derby is special, but not a crossroads for Roma season’
Roma director Frederic Massara insists the Derby della Capitale against Lazio is ‘a special game full of emotional significance, but not a crossroads’ for their season.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
The Giallorossi had started the season with a perfect record, earning 1-0 victories over Bologna and Pisa, but last week suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Torino.
Massara easing Roma into new project
“It is only Week 4, so I don’t feel it fair to call this a crossroads,” Massara told DAZN Italia.
“We know it is the derby, so it is a special game full of emotional significance that can give a positive impulse to the process that we have just started.”
To make matters worse, Paulo Dybala picked up an injury during that Torino match and is out today, along with Wesley and Leon Bailey.
“Ferguson and Dovbyk have similar characteristics, but are very different to all the other strikers in the squad, they bring a different presence to the penalty area. They are both learning the style of football wanted by the coach, and from time to time, we will make the most of the talent in the group.”
The big surprise is that Lorenzo Pellegrini is thrown in for his season debut, the first start since May 4, despite the fact he has been told his contract won’t be renewed after June 2026. Is there a scenario where Roma could change their minds and offer the former captain a new deal?
“We know that in football things can change quickly,” added Massara.
“Over the summer, we shared the idea with Pellegrini that he could leave Roma, that did not happen, but we are concentrated on the games now. He is a strong player who has always brought quality to the team, and we hope he can do that today too.”