Roma aim to capitalise on Inter's confusion

Roma are seeking a home win over Milan today to put pressure on an Inter side unsettled by doubts about coach Roberto Mancini's future.

Mancini, whose team lead Serie A, stunned Italian soccer when he announced he intended to leave Inter at the end of the season after Tuesday's Champions League last-16 defeat by Liverpool.

He made a U-turn on Wednesday after talks with club chairman Massimo Moratti, but the affair is likely to have upset the champions ahead of tomorrow's home game with Palermo.

Roma can rattle them further by cropping their lead to three points, for a night at least, with a win over the European champions, who are fifth.

The Rome side's tails were already up after they trimmed Inter's advantage from 11 points to six in recent weeks and knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League to become Italy's only representative in the competition.

"We want to go all the way in the Champions League and gain points for the Serie A title," Roma captain Francesco Totti told Sky television.

"I was surprised by Mancini's decision. They may have some problems now, we'll have to see how the players react, it could be a good thing or a bad thing."

Totti added: "Milan worry me a little because the only objective they have left this year is to arrive fourth (after Arsenal knocked them of the Champions League last week)."

European champions Milan need a win to move above fourth-placed Fiorentina and into the qualification zone for the Champions League, after being knocked out by Arsenal last week.

Striker Filippo Inzaghi is in doubt for the trip to the capital because of a groin strain, while Clarence Seedorf, Marek Jankulovski and Alessandro Nesta are battling to regain their fitness.

Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso told reporters that Milan would not be happy to make do with a place in the UEFA Cup next season:

"The aim is fourth place because, with all respect, after having been at a certain level it would be a little sad to go and play in the UEFA Cup."

Roma full-back Marco Cassetti is also on the mend from a shoulder problem.

Third-placed Juventus, who are seven points behind Roma with 51 points from 27 games, will be short-handed for tomorrow's home game against Napoli.

Nicola Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and Mauro Camoranesi are suspended, Cristiano Zanetti is out for a month with a thigh injury and Portuguese midfielder Tiago is a doubt because of an ankle problem.

Fiorentina, who reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday after winning a penalty shoot-out with Everton, are a point above Milan and entertain Genoa today.

Del Piero convinced he can make Euro 2008

Juve captain Alessandro Del Piero said yesterday he was convinced he could force his way into Italy coach Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad.

"Donadoni wants responses on the field and I know I can give them to him," Del Piero, who has scored 11 goals in Serie A this term, told a news conference.

"I'm aware of the beautiful season I've had up to now and I want to finish even better. Then the coach has the freedom to make the choices he feels most appropriate. I must continue as I am."

The 33-year-old striker has not played for Italy since giving a lacklustre showing in September's 0-0 draw with France in a Euro 2008 qualifier.