Roma chief Umberto Gandini feels the coming weeks can be decisive in the title race.

They are set to face Lazio, Milan and Juventus.

“It's easy to say the Derby is not a game like the others. In my career I've experienced many, but in a totally different environment," said Gandini.

“It is my first Rome Derby and it comes in a very important moment of the season, with two teams who are both proving themselves to be competitive.

“We are four points off the leaders, have put together a good run of results at home and hope to continue the positive tradition. Technically we are the 'away' side here, but it's still the Stadio Olimpico.

“This is part of the journey, but individually the game is very important for city supremacy that obviously we care about a great deal.

“We're going into an important trio of games, decisive and at the highest level: the Derby, Milan at home and Juventus away. It is fundamental for us to be ready, start this run on the right foot and continue to stay in a competitive position to the end."