Roma aim to start revival against Inter
Friday, October 17, 2008
Article summary
AS Roma are looking to put a disappointing start to the season behind them as Giallorossi coach Luciano Spalletti attempts to achieve the first home victory of his reign over champions FC Internazionale Milano.
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Disappointing start
Roma have lost three out of six Serie A games this term, only one defeat fewer than the whole of the 2007/08 campaign, when they finished second behind Inter, who then beat them on penalties to lift the Italian Super Cup in August. Now 14th in the table, Roma are without the suspended Philippe Mexès and Christian Panucci, sent off a fortnight ago in a 1-0 reverse at AC Siena, the first time in 21 league games the Giallorossi had failed to score.
Totti return
However, the possible return of captain Francesco Totti from the serious knee injury which has restricted him to two competitive outings since April, is a big boost for the Coppa Italia holders, who visit Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday. "I think he will be able to play at least part of the game," said Spalletti, while Totti added: "I have resumed regular training with my team-mates and hope to play on Sunday – it's a big game."
International break
Although Totti is retired from international football, Wednesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier between Italy and Montenegro in Lecce had a strong Roma influence. Alberto Aquilani's double secured a 2-1 home win despite a Mirko Vučinić strike, while Daniele De Rossi hit the post. "I had another chance in the second half but missed it," Vučinić said. "It means I saved one goal for the Inter game." Aquilani reflected: "Facing Inter and Chelsea in just a few days is a big challenge but also a great opportunity to put this difficult spell behind us."
Duo return
Despite losing the 28 September derby to AC Milan, Inter have 13 points from six matches to share the Serie A lead with surprise packages S.S. Lazio and Udinese Calcio. As Inter seek to shake off their rivals, two former Roma players, Cristian Chivu and Mancini, are not expecting to be welcomed back with open arms. "It's normal not to receive flowers when you return to Roma with another club," Chivu said. "However, I had four wonderful years there and honestly prefer to be booed than to be treated with indifference."
