Patrik Schick is approaching a return to full fitness and hopes he will play a part on Saturday – as the Giallorossi face Lazio in the derby.


Roma head to the Stadio Olimpico as the nominal ‘visitors’ at the weekend, with Schick perhaps in line to make his first appearance since suffering a slight knock against Chievo Verona earlier in the month.

The Czech international had enjoyed a positive start to 2019 prior to the injury, and hopes he can pick up where he left off when he does make his return.

“I’m back after injury and I feel good – I’m ready to go again,” Schick told DAZN.

“I hope to be there for the derby, as playing Lazio is a special game. The fans are expecting a win, for them it’s a huge game. You can feel something is different in the air.”

The youngster believes a change in mentality has been behind his improved form in recent weeks, with a brace against Virtus Entella in the first game of the year followed by a well-received performance against AC Milan.

“When things aren’t going well, you need to change something – even on a personal level,” Schick revealed.

“I asked myself, ‘Where can I get better?’ I wanted to go out there with a bit more bite, more aggression – for our fans as well, who perhaps were getting frustrated. Now in every tackle I try to go in 100% and I thank that has helped me and the team as well.”