Totti wouldn't know Middle East from midfield, says di Canio

With over two weeks still to go before the Rome derby, the war of words has already begun with Lazio captain Paolo Di Canio quick to respond to controversial comments made by Roma skipper Francesco Totti in the build-up to the New Year match.

Totti, who on Sunday became his club’s all-time scorer with 108 goals, spoke of the eagerly-anticipated encounter that will see Lazio host Roma on January 6. “I’m already preparing for the derby which I aim to win,” said Totti.

However, when asked about Di Canio, who has become a firm favourite with the Biancoceleste (Lazio) fans after returning to Lazio in the summer, the Giallorosso (Roma) striker had no friendly words for the crowd pleaser.

“I really don’t know who their idol is and I have no intention of meeting him either,” said Totti, in reference to Di Canio. “We are simply very different people.”

Di Canio has been swift to reply to the comments, though, in turn making remarks about Totti’s intellect away from the football pitch.

“Why would I want to talk to Totti?” said the veteran striker. “I would not know what to say to him.

“For instance, if I was to discuss with him the Middle East situation he would probably think I was referring to a position on the pitch.

“I am no intellectual but his (intelligence) level is not very high,” said Di Canio, adding: “I have experienced life more than he has.”