Sarri: "I've Spoken To Mourinho A Few Times, I Have No Rivalry With Him, It's Lazio Against Roma, We Can't Act Like The Coaches Are More Important Than The Team."

Maurizio Sarri claims that the Derby della Capitale is a separate match between Lazio and Roma for the remainder of the season.  Not related to the seasons played by the two teams although the results will affect their position in the standings.

The Derby della Capitale will take place on Sunday (20/03) evening local time at the Stadio Olimpico which will pit two city rivals Lazio against Roma.  The Biancoceleste won the first meeting of the season as the Giallorossi had a strong start to the season under Jose Mourinho.

"The derby is a derby, there is no other event to look at, it is a separate game from the rest of the season and should be viewed as one game without having to look at the position in the table," said Sarri as quoted by Football-Italia.

"The team will be excited, motivated, naturally because we know how important this is for the fans."

Mourinho and Sarri have both coached Chelsea and won the Scudetto in Serie A and the Italian was asked about their relationship.

"I have no rivalry with him, it's Lazio against Roma, we can't act like the coaches are more important than the team, I've spoken to Mourinho a few times, he makes a good impression as a person," he explained.

After the Biancoceleste were knocked out of European competition and the Giallorossi were still playing in the Conference League against Vitesse on Thursday night, Mourinho repeatedly said he was competing while the 63-year-old coach was at home smoking in front of the television.

"He's a bit outdated, I quit smoking a few days ago, I'll probably do it again because it's tough," he replied.