Roma’s Cristante on Derby Against Lazio: “Winning It Is the Way to Thank Our Fans”

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was excited for next season’s Derby della Capitale matches against Lazio.

Speaking in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via LazioNews24) earlier today, the 26-year-old Italian midfielder first spoke about the fight for a top four finish next season.

We know that there are six or seven teams competing for the top four places, every little detail makes the difference. There are two great coaches in Rome. 

Cristante then discussed next season’s derby matches against the Biancocelesti.

We know it’s a special game for the fans, but also for us. Winning it is the way to thank our fans.

The 26-year-old Cristante, who is contracted to the Giallorossi until 2024, featured consistently throughout the Azzurri’s successful Euro 2020 campaign earlier this summer, playing in every match except the semi-finals against Spain.

Lazio duo Ciro Immobile and Francesco Acerbi were also part of Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad that beat England in the final last weekend.

Last season, both teams in Rome found success in the derby. In the first meeting, Lazio ran away 3-0 winners, but in the second meeting just before the end of the season, Roma won 2-0.

The Giallorossi appointed former Inter and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho this summer to replace Paulo Fonseca.