Ranieri makes surprising Pellegrini decision for Roma derby line-up

Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini will surprisingly make his first home appearance in Serie A in over two months today as Claudio Ranieri has included him in the starting XI for the derby della Capitale.

Italy international Pellegrini will start for Roma in this evening’s derby della Capitale against Lazio.

The 28-year-old hasn’t made a home Serie A appearance since October 31, when the Giallorossi beat Torino 1-0 thanks to a Paulo Dybala goal.

Ranieri makes surprising Pellegrini decision for Roma derby line-up

Pellegrini had missed the following game against Bologna with a muscle injury and was on the bench for the other three, against Atalanta, Lecce, and Parma.

Pellegrini’s only home appearance since October 31 came in a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League in mid-December, in which the Italian scored the opening goal.

Seeing Pellegrini start for Roma against Lazio is pretty surprising, especially because Claudio Ranieri had said before the match that the captain felt pressure at the Olimpico, putting all Roma’s problems “on his shoulders.”

Ranieri said Pellegrini should play more naturally without feeling “the negativity and the responsibility.”

Roma fans unfairly accused Pellegrini of contributing to Daniele De Rossi’s sacking in mid-September, and he has often been booed in home matches since.

Pellegrini has one goal and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season.