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Jose Mourinho has prepared for Sunday’s Derby della Capitale in typical fashion by poking a gentle dig at Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri.

The two former Chelsea head coaches go head-to-head this weekend as Mourinho and Roma hope to get one over their fiercest rivals in their battle to secure a top-four finish. The Giallorossi go into the derby in seventh place, but can leapfrog their neighbours and move closer to Juventus, who currently occupy the final Champions League spot.

But Mourinho has joked that Sarri and his Lazio side have had the ideal preparation, whilst Roma were left to sweat in the Europa Conference League. The Italian side booked their place in the quarter finals on Thursday, with Tammy Abraham scoring a 90th minute goal to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory over Vitesse.

However, the Special One, suggested that this weekend’s opponents had the ideal preparation and were able to sit at home ‘smoking cigarettes’ with Sarri. The comment was in reference to the veteran coach’s smoking habit, previously admitting he could go through as many as 60-per-day.

“Obviously, I am not happy that we played today with many players who will also have to be there on Sunday, while tonight Lazio are home smoking cigarettes with Sarri, but it’s because Vitesse are really good!” Mourinho explained. “Now Sarri is