Zdenek Zeman was Coach of both Roma and Lazio, but believes “there are no favourites” in this weekend’s Derby della Capitale.
Only one point separates the sides going into Sunday afternoon’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It is always difficult to make predictions. There are no favourites because these are two pretty equal teams right now,” said Zeman at a book presentation.
Zdenek Zeman was Coach of both Roma and Lazio, but believes “there are no favourites” in this weekend’s Derby della Capitale.
Only one point separates the sides going into Sunday afternoon’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It is always difficult to make predictions. There are no favourites because these are two pretty equal teams right now,” said Zeman at a book presentation.
“I hope it will be an entertaining match. Lazio never fully convinced me, but I really like the trio in attack and they can create real problems for Roma.”
Felipe Anderson, Ciro Immobile and Keita Balde Diao are on fine form, though Roma hitman Edin Dzeko is the current joint Capocannoniere with Mauro Icardi on 12 goals.
“Those three remind me of my trident with Pescara, which also had Immobile. People thought ill of Simone Inzaghi when he was appointed, but the team is competitive.
“I thank Simone for including me in the list of his mentors. Lazio right now have to believe in Champions League qualification, then we’ll need to see if they keep it up in the long run.”
What if Marcelo Bielsa had accepted the Lazio job this summer instead?
“They could be top or bottom, nobody will ever know.”
Francesco Totti made his comeback in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Pescara after a lengthy injury lay-off. Should the 40-year-old retire at the end of the season?
“Totti has to do what he feels is right,” continued Zeman. “Last year people said he was finished and instead he took Roma into the Champions League preliminary round.
“I spoke to him last week and think he has a few physical problems, so I’m not sure if he’ll start on Sunday. He remains in my view the best player out there, even if he needs to feel he’s in good shape too.
“Dzeko is doing well, though he still misses a few too many chances.”
Is there a chance of Zeman returning to a Serie A bench?
“When someone has interest in me, but for now evidently nobody does. Would I return to Roma or Lazio? I’d go to both, they are two teams who can do very well this season.”