Break gives Roma fitness boost for Calabria match

The international break has given Serie A pacesetters Roma a boost as they bid to keep the early lead, with the return to fitness of several players for tomorrow's trip down south to Calabria to face Reggina.

Brazilian winger Rodrigo Taddei is back along with defensive pair Cristian Chivu and Philippe Mexes, although Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has a doubt over Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta.

Roma won last season's fixture 3-0 and go into the game after victories in both their away matches so far.

Palermo, who like Roma have 12 points from five games, are at home to promoted Atalanta in Sicily. Atalanta have drawn three of their five games so far and Palermo midfielder Aimo Diana, a close season signing from Sampdoria, said the Sicilians had to keep their heads.

"The important thing is not to rush and not to concede because we know that we will get one sooner or later," said the Italy international, who missed out on World Cup success due to injury.

Should the leaders slip up then Inter are well-placed to take over top spot - Roberto Mancini's side are unbeaten and just a point behind Roma and Palermo heading into their game with Catania.

As always though the pressure is on the defending champions - defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League was followed by a draw at Cagliari - and failure to beat Catania will surely lead to questions about Mancini's future.

Argentines Esteban Cambiasso and Hernan Crespo along with Italy defender Fabio Grosso are all highly doubtful with injury for Inter.

Milan will hope to end their run of three consecutive goalless draws in all competition when they travel to Genoa to face Sampdoria today.

Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira could replace the out-of-form Alberto Gilardino alongside Filippo Inzaghi as Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti searches for a solution to his goal shortage.

Milan are unbeaten this season with three wins and two draws in Serie A but they are only on three points in mid-table after beginning the campaign with minus eight points due to a sports tribunal ruling on the match-fixing scandal.

Juventus, stripped of the past two seasons' titles and demoted to the second tier Serie B with a -17 points penalty, are away to Treviso on Monday.