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FOOTBALL EUROPE: Scudetto not the only goal for Totti

/noticias.info/ In any normal season, tonight's derby at S.S. Lazio would be considered the most important match of the campaign for second-placed AS Roma. However, with the Giallorossi still competing on three fronts, Roma captain Francesco Totti says he would rather win the UEFA Champions League than Serie A.

Cup runs
Roma, who face Manchester United FC in next month's UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and Calcio Catania in the Coppa Italia semi-finals in May, are six points behind leaders FC Internazionale Milano going into the Olimpico game. "We don't fear Lazio and I would be very disappointed if we lost, both for myself and for the fans," said the forward.

Elusive honour
"If we win, we will stay in touch with Inter and keep alive our title hopes. Winning the Scudetto by coming from behind would be something special," continued Totti, who has played a record 27 capital derbies. "However, if I had to choose, I would prefer the Champions League to the Scudetto because I have never won a European trophy."

Tribute
Before kick-off, Totti will lay flowers under the Curva Nord, the sector housing Lazio's most fervent fans, in memory of Gabriele Sandri, the Lazio supporter who was killed last year. "This derby must be remembered in the history of Italian football as an example of a true sporting occasion, with mutual respect and solidarity," said Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

'Open game'
Eleventh-placed Lazio, whose players and coach are continuing a press blackout, are unbeaten in four Serie A outings but remain 27 points behind their neighbours. "Roma and Lazio are in good shape, both mentally and physically," said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti. "Lazio will be especially motivated because they want to end our title bid. I don't think the points difference between the sides is important. It will be an extremely open game." notas_de_prensa_archivo