Chris Smalling could make Roma debut in derby against Lazio after loan from Manchester United

The defender is available for Sunday’s game at the Stadio Olimpico

Chris Smalling could make his Roma debut against rivals Lazio after joining on loan from Manchester United.

The centre-half is available for Sunday’s derby at the Stadio Olimpico after his move was confirmed this week.

Roma will be the away side, and Smalling would be excited to make his debut on such a stage.

“It is a game that is always on television, all over the world,” Smalling said ahead of the game.

“It’s big in everyone’s minds, across the world.

Chris Smalling joined Roma on loan from Manchester United this week (Getty Images)

“Just in terms of the fans, they are crazy and that is what we need as players – it drives us on. So to come in and have the derby within a couple of days is the perfect set-up.”

Roma began their season with a nip-and-tuck 3-3 draw with Genoa, while Lazio began impressively with a 3-0 victory over Sampdoria.

Yet the club’s sporting director dismissed talk that they are clear favourites.

“I don’t think we’re favourites,” Igli Tare told Cittaceleste.it.

“We started well against Sampdoria but Sunday will not be easy because the derby is always a separate competition.

“But we want to win because it is important to our season.”