Leaders Juve can afford no more slip-ups

Serie A leaders Juventus can ill-afford another slip-up when they face Lazio in Serie A today with rivals Milan playing lowly Messina.

Juve's lead over Milan was cut to five points with four games remaining after Fabio Capello's side were held to a draw at Cagliari while Milan won their derby clash with Inter.

Less than a month ago the title looked in the bag for Juventus who had a 10-point advantage, but following their exit from the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Arsenal, the defending champions have struggled and are without a win from their last six domestic and European games.

For the visit of Delio Rossi's Lazio, Juve will be without Italy international winger Mauro Camoranesi who is suspended and there are injury doubts over three midfielders - Czech Pavel Nedved, Frenchman Patrick Vieira and ex-Lazio player Giuliano Giannichedda.

Capello is hoping that striker David Trezeguet is fit and is reported to be considering a three-pronged attack with Alessandro Del Piero operating behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Frenchman.

Milan will have their minds, partially at least, on next week's Champions League semi-final, return leg away to Barcelona following their 1-0 loss to the Spanish side at the San Siro.

Without striker Filippo Inzaghi, who was bed-ridden with a virus, Milan lacked sharpness in front of goal and Inzaghi could play some part in the game in Sicily.

Ancelotti has no serious injury problems and will probably adjust his side to rest any players feeling the strain ahead of the trip to Barcelona.

Third-placed Inter are at home to Reggina but the battle for fourth place - which brings a qualifying round spot for next season's Champions League - continues to provide an interesting side-plot.

Fiorentina have a point lead over Roma and on paper an easier game today at home to Empoli while Roma host Sampdoria at the Olympic stadium.