League victory over Roma would complement Lazio's Cup aspirations

Having been overshadowed by neighbours Roma for much of the Serie A season, Lazio look the more likely to collect some silverware this year after two second-half goals from Stefano Fiore gave them a first-leg advantage over fading Juventus in the Italian Cup final.

Having been overshadowed by neighbours Roma for much of the Serie A season, Lazio look the more likely to collect some silverware this year after two second-half goals from Stefano Fiore gave them a first-leg advantage over fading Juventus in the Italian Cup final.

And nothing would provide a more pleasurable sequel for Lazio than a victory over Fabio Capello's side in tomorrow evening's Rome derby, which would give Roberto Mancini's men the chance to secure their hold on fourth spot.

Roma's disappointing goalless draw at Reggina combined with Milan's win over Juventus was a blow to Capello's team, who now trail seven points behind Carlo Ancelotti's side with nine games left to play. Parma meet Milan at San Siro this evening, while Juventus take on the Udinese after three consecutive defeats in the Champions' League, league and Italian Cup.

Real Madrid can ill-afford to dwell on their domestic cup final defeat to Real Zaragoza as they face a tough return to Spanish League action today at Athletic Bilbao, where they have not won on their past four visits. Valencia, four points behind Madrid, entertain Real Mallorca tomorrow aware that Mallorca effectively ended Deportivo La Coruña's title hopes last week with a 4-2 win. Barcelona, meanwhile, go for their ninth successive win when they take on Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp.

Werder Bremen return to Bundesliga action having moved closer to achieving a domestic double. They advanced to Germany's Cup final with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Lübeck and play the Second Division side Aachen. And with Thomas Schaaf's men, who travel to Wolfsburg tomorrow, leading the Bundesliga by nine points from Bayern Munich, there is every chance of a double celebration.

Monaco defend their dwindling French League lead against Sochaux today after being eliminated from the French Cup by the unheralded Châteauroux on Wednesday. Defeat at the hands of Sochaux could see them concede top spot to Lyon for the first time since September.