⚽ A Legendary Figure’s Final Derby
Claudio Ranieri, the revered veteran coach and lifelong Roma fan, is preparing for what could be the most emotionally charged farewell in football — his final Rome derby against Lazio. At 73, Ranieri is not only facing his last Derby della Capitale but also steering AS Roma toward a remarkable Champions League qualification, just months after answering his club’s desperate call from retirement.
🚨 From Crisis to Contender
When Ranieri returned in November, Roma were in crisis — dangerously close to the relegation zone, disjointed after the short-lived stints of Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric. Fast forward to April, and Roma sit just four points outside the top four, unbeaten in 15 league matches since mid-December, and just two points behind city rivals Lazio, who they now face in a high-stakes derby.
🟠 Key Turnaround Stats:
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15-match unbeaten run in Serie A
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7 wins in 8 prior to last week’s draw with Juventus
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3rd manager this season, but by far the most impactful
🆚 The Rome Derby: A Champions League Decider?
Sunday’s showdown with Lazio is more than just a derby — it’s a potential turning point in the fierce battle for the final two Champions League spots. With six teams separated by just six points — from third-placed Atalanta to eighth-placed Fiorentina — every match has become a final.
🔥 Top Four Battle:
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Atalanta (3rd): Slipping, winless in three
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Bologna (4th): On the rise, facing Atalanta this weekend
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Juventus (5th): Hosting Lecce, hoping to pounce
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Lazio (6th): 2 points ahead of Roma
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Roma (7th): Derby destiny awaits
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Fiorentina (8th): Still in the hunt
🗣️ Ranieri’s Farewell Tour — But Is It Really Over?
Despite calls from fans, media, and even Gianluigi Buffon to stay on for another season, Ranieri remains adamant: this is the end.
“Big Ben has said stop,” said Ranieri. “I want to see what’s beyond football before I die.”
He’s had a career spanning over three decades, managing across Europe and famously winning the Premier League with Leicester City. But Roma is home. His return, driven by loyalty, has already become the stuff of legend.
🟦 Lazio’s Resurgence
Lazio, under Marco Baroni, have bounced back with a huge win over Atalanta and are brimming with confidence heading into the derby. They're one of the most consistent teams post-winter break and will look to spoil Ranieri’s goodbye while cementing their own UCL hopes.
🔄 Fixtures That Could Decide Everything (All Times GMT)
Friday
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Udinese v AC Milan
Saturday
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Venezia v Monza (13:00)
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Inter v Cagliari (16:00)
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Juventus v Lecce (18:45)
Sunday
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Atalanta v Bologna (10:30)
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Fiorentina v Parma
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Verona v Genoa (13:00)
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Como v Torino (16:00)
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Lazio v Roma (18:45) 🏟️
Monday
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Napoli v Empoli (18:45)
🔍 What to Watch For
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Can Roma win the derby and leapfrog Lazio?
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Will Ranieri’s tactical genius carry them to the top four?
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Will Inter or Napoli slip up in the title race?
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Will Atalanta continue their slide out of UCL contention?
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether Roma make the Champions League or not, Claudio Ranieri’s final act has already become one of the great comeback stories in recent Serie A history. But if he ends his incredible journey by conquering Lazio and steering Roma to Europe’s elite competition — it would be a swansong for the ages.
Grazie, Mister Ranieri. Whatever happens, you’ve already won.
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