Derby della Capitale

Lore & Background

Lazio was founded in 1900 in Piazza della Libertà, Borough of Prati. Roma was founded in 1927 as a result of a merger between three teams: Roman, Alba-Audace and Fortitudo, initiated by Italo Foschi. The first derby was played on 8 December 1929, and ended 1–0 for Roma with a goal by Rodolfo Volk. The rivalry emerged from the early years of coexistence in the same city, partly due to Lazio being the only major Roman team excluded from the merger that created Roma, influenced by Giorgio Vaccaro of the National Fascist Party. The derby has seen violence, including the 1979 death of Lazio fan Vincenzo Paparelli from a flare fired by a Roma fan, and a 2004 match abandoned due to a riot after a rumour of a boy killed by a police car. Cultural rivalry is fueled by regionalism and political divisions, with Lazio ultras using fascist symbols and racist behaviour, including a banner referencing Auschwitz in 1998–99. In 2017, Lazio fans left anti-Semitic stickers of Anne Frank in a Roma jersey.

In Their Own Story

Grey skies threatened rain over White Hart Lane, but the air inside was thick with anticipation. A fan gripped his scarf, knuckles white against the red and white fabric reading 'To Believe Is To Win.' He glanced at the neighbor beside him, who was ranting about a heated match he’d seen on the news in Rome. ‘They say the Romans have their own war,’ the man muttered. The Spurs supporter shook his head, tapping the cockerel crest on his chest. ‘Let them fight over the Colosseum,’ he said firmly. ‘Our battle is right here, under this sky, for North London.’

Reader's Guide

The derby is played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lazio ultras traditionally occupy the northern end (Curva Nord) and Roma's the southern end (Curva Sud). Making ironic remarks, known as sfottò, focused on the origins of both sets of fans, is a traditional way of teasing between supporters. Notable matches include the 2013 Coppa Italia Final, the only cup final in the fixture's history, won 1–0 by Lazio; Francesco Totti's 40th derby in 2015 where he scored twice and took a selfie; and Roma's 0–2 away victory on 4 December 2016, marred by controversy. The biggest win for Roma was 5–0 in 1933–34; for Lazio, 3–0 in 2006–07, 2018–19 and 2020–21. Roma holds the record for most consecutive derby wins with five; Lazio holds the record for most wins in a single season, winning four in 1997–98.

Did You Know?

• Francesco Totti has played the most derbies, with 44 for Roma.
• Francesco Totti and Dino da Costa have each scored 11 goals for Roma in the derby, the most of any player.
• Vincenzo Montella scored four goals in a single derby on 11 March 2002, a record.
• Arne Selmosson, Aleksandar Kolarov and Pedro are the only three players to have scored for both teams in the derby.
• Only one derby has been played as a cup final, the 2013 Coppa Italia Final, won 1–0 by Lazio.