The Rome Derby is one of football’s greatest spectacles and is watched by billions worldwide. Steadily nearing 200 official clashes, Lazio and Roma have produced some of the most unforgettable matches calcio has ever seen.

With so much on the line – if not only for the drama – Destination Calcio landed at Fiumicino Airport a few hours before kick-off to take in one of the planet’s most atmospheric events.

Here are our most eye-catching images from the 185th edition of the Derby della Capitale. 

Lazio Tifo

Lazio’s jaw-dropping tifo was all about ownership and devotion. The genius of the choreography merged Rome’s historical sites and modern-day life, symbolising they are forever draped by a Biancoceleste (sky blue of Lazio) skyline.

The Castel Sant’Angelo, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum all feature prominently, with approximately 30,000 Laziali involved in the movement. Not forgetting the infusion of banners representing everyday life. 

Spectators could be heard gasping; others were brought to tears at the sheer beauty of the design, which spanned across the Curva Nord and the adjacent Tribuna Tevere to the tune of “Vola Lazio Vola.”

Roma Tifo

Roma paid tribute to Agostino Di Bartolomei, remembered for his 237 Serie A matches with the Giallorossi between 1972-84. The former midfielder, who died in 1994 at age 39, was celebrated by the tifoseria with a giant display that draped over 50 rows of the Curva Sud.

Surrounding Bartolomei was an arrangement of 20 kits representing 20 fallen heroes of the halcyon days. Finally, a banner that read “Una Città, Una Maglia” translates to “One city, One shirt.”

Stadio Olimpico

Here’s the Stadio Olimpico in all its glory, divided by the colours of each club. While many of the players won’t understand the deep sense of identity in the wider community, this match is all about allegiance. To think millions of them made the choice to support one team or the other before they could even speak – a decision that can shape relationships for a lifetime.  

The Final Minutes for Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri is considered a Roma legend and is also highly respected by Laziali. Here is Ranieri in his last Derby della Capitale as manager, watching as Angelinõ takes the ball past Gustav Isaksen.

Ranieri, who retires at the end of 2024-25, leaves the position undefeated in this fixture.

The Romagnoli Goal: Lazio

Those who have been to a Rome Derby before will know that these flags begin waving an hour before kick-off and pause only for the Tifo display and halftime break. That is some serious calorie burning.

In a derby of heated emotions, Alessio Romagnoli’s opener meant Le Aquile could square the derby ledger for the season, having lost the reverse fixture 2-0. The Lazio captain’s header triggered this euphoric reaction in the Curva Nord.

The Soulé Goal: Roma

Matias Soule’s equaliser gave the Roma Ultras reason to set off a few extra flares. The Curva Sud was stacked from top to bottom, and for many, the best view meant standing on the concrete slabs above the top rows.

The Scoreboard

“One Faith, One Passion,” a motto adopted by Lazio but on point for either team. Rome is indisputably the nation’s religious home. Combined with a febrile lust for all things calcio, the insatiable hunger to beat each other has instilled passion around the city since the Olimpico was opened in 1953. 

On this occasion, the 1-1 draw means so much more than just “points shared”; Roma took four points off Lazio for the season, the latter earning only one from the Derby della Capitale.

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