Veteran defender Christian Panucci is confident his Roma side can overcome Lazio in the local derby on Sunday. Despite the current lowly position of last season's runners-up, Luciano Spalletti's Roma has rediscovered form in recent weeks, defeating Chelsea 3-1 in Champions League action before a last minute own-goal cost the Giallorossi the crucial three points in last weekend's clash at Bologna.

Panucci, a scorer in the Chelsea victory, told Sky Sport Italia that the side is finding form at last.

"We are doing much better and we have made the best possible preparations for the game.

"I think the derby is a special game and we need to show enthusiasm to win and to get out of this tough moment.

"But we feel strong and we certainly aren't looking at the League table and crying.

"We had a tough summer and we weren't in perfect condition for the start of the season so it was difficult for us.

"Then we became a bit nervy because we had lost some matches, but we are a team that scores goals and we are ready to return to our best."