Title chasing Roma battle Sampdoria
Roma who are running neck to neck with Inter Milan for the Scudetto must avoid any defeat or even a draw today because such a result would automatically knock them off the ladder. Although playing away from home Sampdoria whose chances of playing in Europe were boosted last week with a 2-1 win over AC […]
Roma who are running neck to neck with Inter Milan for the Scudetto must avoid any defeat or even a draw today because such a result would automatically knock them off the ladder.
Although playing away from home Sampdoria whose chances of playing in Europe were boosted last week with a 2-1 win over AC Milan will put in everything into today’s encounter to earn a respectful result. Even as an outright victory will be preferable, they will no doubt prefer a draw to defeat against Roma.
Roma were on a massive unbeaten run in domestic competitions until Wednesday evening when they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Udinese in the Coppa Italia away from home. The defeat didn’t matter, though, as the Gialloross marched to the final of the Tim Cup as they were leading the tie 2-0 from the first leg. Moreover, coach Claudio Ranieri hadn’t started with his regular first-choice players.
However, it will be interesting to see how the Romans react to that defeat. Last weekend Roma went 1-0 behind to city rivals Lazio in the Rome derby but came back to win 2-1 to maintain their slender one-point lead over defending Italian champions Inter at the top of the table in Serie A. This weekend, with Inter taking on relegation-bound Atalanta on Saturday evening, the 2001 champions will potentially have to come back from second on Sunday to move into pole position again.
Sampdoria moved into fourth position in Serie A last weekend after defeating Milan 2-1 thanks to an injury time strike, and will be keen to hold onto that final Champions League spot. At the moment, Luigi Del Neri’s side have 57 points from 34 matches and are a couple of points better off than Palermo.
Sampdoria are in a great run of form too, as the Blucerchiati have won their last three matches in the league. With four rounds of matches remaining in the Italian top flight this campaign, they will be keen to carry on with the momentum, although, having won just five league fixtures away from home, they will be outsiders to get anything in Rome today.