The Scudetto and relegation races intersect head-on at the Stadio Olimpico and time is running out for them to achieve both their targets.
With just five rounds left, Roma are still only four points adrift of leaders Inter and know that any hope of catching them has to go through a series of consecutive victories. They have been tested psychologically and physically over the past few weeks, but showed that despite a Champions League exit and going behind at Udinese, they fought back to win 3-1 at the Friuli and stay in the race.
They rested several stars for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Catania to keep some fresh legs for their Serie A clash. Alberto Aquilani and Matteo Ferrari are still sidelined, but Francesco Totti is back to full fitness after his performance against Udinese ended a three-week stint on the sidelines. Mirko Vucinic is in better form and should start instead of Amantino Mancini, while Rodrigo Taddei faces a challenge from Ludovic Giuly for his spot. Juan pulled out in the warm-up last Sunday with a muscular problem, but has now recovered.
Livorno are in the worst period of their season so far and have not been in such dire straits for several years now. The 2-1 home defeat to fellow relegation strugglers Cagliari dropped them to the foot of the table and President Aldo Spinelli announced he would walk away at the end of this season after fans protested at the dismal results.
Former Roma striker Francesco Tavano has missed some sitters recently and has not netted since February 10. The prospect of returning to the stadium where he failed to impress last term could prove too damaging and it is rumoured he could be dropped in favour of classic tall centre-forward Fausto Rossini. This tactic fits in well with talented discovery Alessandro Diamanti, who has been one of the Amaranto’s few creative figures with his passing and inspired set pieces.
Giuliano Giannichedda and David Balleri are still out injured, while Coach Giancarlo Camolese could switch midfield allegiance to Daniele De Vezze – a former Roma youth product – rather than ex-Lazio Filippini twins.
The history books do not bode well for Livorno, who in 15 trips to Roma have earned one draw in 1933 and one win in 1947.
Keep an eye on: Francesco Totti (Roma) – Il Capitano’s return was a huge boost and the team will look to him in order to inspire this final push for the Scudetto.
Last season: Roma 2-0 Livorno
Form guide: Roma (L W D W W) Livorno (D L D L L) |
| Roma (probable): Doni; Cicinho, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro; Taddei, Perrotta, Vucinic; Totti
Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante; Pulzetti, Vidigal, De Vezze, Bergvold, Pasquale; Diamanti; Rossini
Прогноз Kappara : Роме нужно догонять Интер . Рома больше 1.5 1.4 , но Ливорно упрётся если получится поэтому -2 не пробьют |
