The best teams in Serie A face off late Monday when Roma host Juventus, with the home side hoping they can reverse the 3-2 defeat they suffered against the champions in October to close the gap at the top of the standings.
Prior to their first meeting, Roma coach Rudi Garcia boasted that his team would win the league because “we’re better than them”, words the French manager must now be regretting as his side have slipped nine points off the pace in recent weeks.
Roma’s dip in form has seen them draw six of their last seven league games to leave themselves in serious danger of being caught by Napoli who, after defeating Sassuolo 2-0 on Monday, are only three points adrift.
The poor run began when Ivorian forward Gervinho left for the Africa Cup of Nations at the beginning of the year and Manuel Iturbe suffered another injury setback a few weeks later.
Garcia’s main attacking strategy relied on the pace of the two wingers to break through opposing defences but without them, Roma have become predictably one-dimensional and directionless in possession.
Gervinho returned to the side two games ago but his contribution has been limited, the player looking jaded from his international exertions in helping Ivory Coast claim a second continental title.
Meanwhile, Roma go into the encounter after Thursday’s 2-1 triumph at Feyenoord, a result that allowed them to progress to the Europa League last 16.
Gervinho scored the winner for Roma on the hour mark as Garcia’s side advanced 3-2 on aggregate.
“We are satisfied with our performance in Rotterdam,” Garcia said.
“But we need to find continuity in our game. On Thursday, we have shown against Feyenoord that we haven’t forgotten how to play. We need to remain on this path.
“We have two days less than Juve to prepare for Monday’s game but I’m confident. There is a game against Juventus that we must win.”
Roma are unbeaten in the league at home this season.
With a nine-point cushion, Juventus can afford to sit back and wait for Roma to come forward and look to punish their opponents with the same counter-attacking style they adopted on Tuesday to defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League.
Juventus remain on course for a fourth successive title but will line up against Roma without key playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who injured his right calf against the German side.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is likely to replace him with Argentine Roberto Pereyra, who will sit in behind the attackers with Claudio Marchisio moving back slightly to shield the defence.
Napoli visit Torino tomorrow in search of a sixth win in seven games but face an in-form opponent who are undefeated in 11 league matches.
Eighth-placed Inter will be looking for a fourth straight win when they host fifth-placed Fiorentina, who currently hold the final Europa League qualifying spot on 39 points, four ahead of their opponents.
Elsewhere, Lazio play at Sassuolo looking to maintain their push for Champions League football next season.
The Biancoceleste have won their last two league games and are fourth in the standings, five points adrift of Napoli.
Milan travel to Verona to face Chievo looking for their first win on the road since October 19.
Fixtures
Serie A
Playing today
Chievo vs Milan - 20.45
Tomorrow – 15.00
Atalanta vs Sampdoria
Cagliari vs Verona - 12.30
Cesena vs Udinese
Genoa vs Parmapp
Inter vs Fiorentina - 18.00
Palermo vs Empoli
Sassuolo vs Lazio
Torino vs Napoli - 20.45
Monday
Roma vs Juventus - 20.45
Standings: Juventus 57; Roma 48; Napoli 45; Lazio 40; Fiorentina 39; Sampdoria, Genoa 36; Inter 35; Milan, Torino, Palermo 33; Sassuolo 29; Udinese 28; Empoli 27; Verona 25; Chievo 24; Atalanta 23; Cagliari 20; Cesena 16; Parma 10.
Serie B
Played yesterday
Latina vs Trapani - 1-0
Bologna vs Vicenza - 0-2
Today – 15.00
Avellino vs Ternana
Catania vs Frosinone
Crotone vs Livorno
Entella vs Pescara
Modena vs Bari
Perugia vs Spezia
Pro Vercelli vs Carpi
Varese vs Brescia
V. Lanciano vs Cittadella
Leading standings: Carpi 52, Bologna 47; Vicenza 46; Avellino 45; Livorno 43; Frosinone 41; Spezia 39; Lanciano 37.