Struggling Roma seek Totti boost for Inter game

Struggling Roma hope talismanic captain Francesco Totti can help them rediscover last season's sparkling form for tomorrow's visit of Serie A champions Inter.

Roma, runners-up last term, have lost three of their opening six league games and are not in the best shape to face joint leaders Inter.

Central defenders Philippe Mexes and Christian Panucci are suspended while Totti is still feeling his way back after knee surgery last season.

However, the international break has given the forward more time to boost his fitness and he should at least make the bench.

"Francesco is better. The work he has done this week is encouraging in view of the Inter game," Roma boss Luciano Spalletti told the club's television channel.

"We will assess him day-by-day but it seems he is at a good point."

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani will be feeling confident after scoring twice in Italy's 2-1 win over Montenegro in Wednesday's World Cup qualifying Group Eight match in Lecce.

Club team-mate Mirko Vucinic was also impressive in scoring Montenegro's goal.

Inter have a slight worry over Patrick Vieira after he missed France's 2-2 weekend draw in Romania with a calf injury.

Winger Mancini, who moved to Inter from Roma in the close season, can expect a less than warm welcome back at the Stadio Olimpico with former Roma defender Cristian Chivu also possibly back for the visitors.

Juventus, like Roma, are going through a sticky patch and tonight's trip to Napoli's intimidating San Paolo stadium is hardly the ideal match to help them improve, especially with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and winger Mauro Camoranesi injured. Milan, who host winless Sampdoria tomorrow, lost 2-1 in a friendly in Tirana on Tuesday. Filippo Inzaghi picked up a knock but injury-prone defender Alessandro Nesta returned to action.