Roma's hardcore supporters are unhappy with strict new policing enforced at Stadio Olimpico this season and will unite with their Lazio rivals to demonstrate their discontent.
“I wish the Olympic Stadium was a cauldron, but at the moment we are a long way from that.”

A long way indeed. Even Rudi Garcia has admitted his alarm at the continued protest by Roma’s Curva Sud, the stand behind the goal which houses its hardcore supporters, against new stadium security measures. A Roma without the Curva Sud is an incomplete team - it's big chance at a Scudetto put in jeopardy.

On Sunday, the sad situation will take another turn. When Roma and Lazio meet for the derby, the Curva Biancoceleste will join its rivals in a symbolic boycott.

It will be the first derby with the stands at both ends practically empty, played in an atmosphere never seen before for a match of this magnitude. In reality, Roma are going through this at every home game, with the only exception being the clash with Juventus in August. Even in the Champions League, Roma drew with Barcelona and beat Bayer Leverkusen without their 12th man.

It is not quite like playing behind closed doors, but it is close enough. There are moments during matches where, despite the presence of at least 40,000 people, complete silence falls. When singing starts from areas other than the Curva Sud, the few that are present in that part of the stadium begin to whistle