Lazio midfielder Andreas Pereira is under no illusions over the importance of the Rome derby.

The on-loan Manchester United ace hopes to start against Roma tonight.

“I immediately understood the importance of the derby as soon as I arrived in Rome," Pereira said.

“The people here at the club explained everything to me, it's a special emotion. The last derby we won 3-0, it was important for me."

Pereira has played 24 times in Serie A this term.