Roma vs Lazio Best Combined XI: Giallorossi Dominate the Lineup | OneFootball

Ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Capitale, we take a closer look at the Roma and Lazio squads and how they compare to one another.

The two clubs are currently separated by a 16-point gap in the Serie A standings, as the Giallorossi are in the mix of a thrilling fight for the Champions League spots, while the Aquile stray behind, settling for a mid-table finish.

This significant gulf in the table is no coincidence, but reflects the gap in the quality between the squads, which becomes more evident when comparing them role by role.

Roma & Lazio Best Combined XI (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar (Roma)

This season, Ivan Provedel enjoyed quite a career turnaround under Maurizio Sarri, registering 12 clean sheets in 27 appearances before suffering a season-ending injury. Nevertheless, Mile Svilar has arguably been the league’s best goalkeeper for the past two campaigns, pulling off jaw-dropping saves on a weekly basis.

Right Centre-Back: Gianluca Mancini (Roma)

Gianluca Mancini might be one of the most unpopular figures in the blue part of Rome, but it must be said that the Italian international has been one of the most robust defenders in the league this season. The former Atalanta man had a knack for losing his head and committing avoidable mistakes in the past, but he is now cutting a more mature and composed figure.

Centre-Back: Mario Gila (Lazio)

The Spaniard’s solid showings at the back have been one of the few bright spots of Lazio’s campaign. He is the one Biancocelesti player who can walk into any starting lineup in Serie A.

Left Centre-Back: Evan Ndicka (Roma)

The Ivorian defender is arguably underrated, as he doesn’t always receive the plaudits he deserves. The 26-year-old rarely commits blunders and can play either at the heart of the backline or on the left side. He is a cut above Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Hermoso.

Right Wing-Back: Zeki Celik (Roma)

Another Roma player who seldom gets his flowers. Despite Wesley’s arrival. The Turkish international was able to maintain a starting role, prompting Gian Piero Gasperini to find another role for the Brazilian.

Deep-Lying Playmaker: Nicolo Rovella (Lazio)

Every time Nicolo Rovella is on the field, Lazio’s football becomes slightly more fluid and easy on the eye. He might not be as defensively sound as Bryan Cristante, but his superior technical skills give him the nod in the Regista role.

Box-to-Box Midfielder: Manu Kone (Roma)

Lazio do have an up-and-coming box-to-box midfielder in Kenneth Taylor, but if we’re only going to pick only one player for this role, then it has to be Manu Kone. The 24-year-old is a dominant force in the middle of the park, and the fact that Didier Deschamps included him in France’s World Cup squad at the expense of Khephren Thuram, Eduardo Camavinga, and Matteo Guendouzi speaks volumes.

Left Wing-Back: Wesley (Roma)

Nuno Tavares has been recently praised for his noticeable improvements, but his entire momentum was undone by his costly blunder in the Coppa Italia final. But regardless of that incident, Wesley was going to get the nod after a remarkable first campaign in Italian football.

The Brazilian has been devastating in his inverted wing-back role and has already scored five goals, including a few scorchers.

Right Attacking Midfielder: Paulo Dybala (Roma)

Sadly for the Argentine, he has long been reduced to a part-time player due to his never-ending injury woes. However, every time La Joya gets a healthy run, he reminds the world that he simply remains among the elite, and arguably the most technical player in Serie A.

Left Attacking Midfielder: Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

This was probably the toughest choice on the list, with the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matias Soule, and Niccolo Pisilli all considered viable options. Nevertheless, we decided to give Mattia Zaccagni the benefit of the doubt, as he can be a menace for the opposition on his day, but has been vastly unlucky with injuries since the start of the season

Striker: Donyell Malen (Roma)

Despite only joining the league in January, the Dutchman finds himself second in the Serie A scoring charts with 13 goals from 16 appearances. On the other hand, not a single Lazio player has netted more than five goals throughout the entire campaign.