Lazio captain Tommaso Rocchi believes AS Roma will be stronger this weekend without Francesco Totti.

Totti is suspended for one match after he was harshly red-carded for a non-existent slap on Lecce's Ruben Oliveira at the weekend.

When asked for his reaction, Rocchi said: "I respond that we would have been happier to see him on the pitch: perhaps his absence is an advantage for Roma seeing the results in recent derbies.

"Often the team that is better, who seems superior, usually has more to lose. Now we must erase everything that we have done up until now and prepare for the game in the best way.

"I am certain that we will play a great game. The level of Roma and Lazio seems equal to me.

"We are going into this game better than them. If we are top of the table it's because we deserve it."