Target counter-overtaking. After just one week on the bottom step of the podium, Roma have a chance to take second place back. But to ensure that Juve's "gift" is not wasted, it is necessary to beat Atalanta (15pm). A match that, technically speaking, does not seem to present many pitfalls: the Bergamo players are quite calm (the relegation zone, after Cesena's draw, is at 6 points), moreover they haven't won away from home for 3 months. But to agitate the eve of Rome, more than the football aspects, are the problems with the fans. The facts are known: after the banners displayed by the ultras against Ciro Esposito's mother (yesterday 4 perpetrators were identified), Pallotta lashed out at them, calling them "fucking idiots".
A very tough stance, which was followed by a tweet ("real fans don't throw m... against the club, we have to get rid of them") which further exacerbated relations. The yellow and red people are literally split in two: on one side the ultras and those who show solidarity, on the other the remaining fans. And so today the climate at the Olimpica risks being surreal. To the voids of the Curva Sud, closed by the sports judge, those of the other sectors could be added, as a sign of solidarity. At least this is what the Prefecture fears, forced to manage thousands of fans outside the Olympic stadium. “I want to remind people that it wasn't Pallotta who closed the corner – explained Garcia. – He always does his best for Roma, his presence is a blessing for everyone. I would always like to have a full stadium, not having our fans with us is a disadvantage."
Controversy aside, we have to think about the game. On paper, as previously mentioned, there shouldn't be too many problems but Roma have repeatedly messed up against inferior teams in recent months. “We are forced to win, we have no alternatives – admitted the French coach. – I expect a difficult match but also that my parents will put a lot of desire into the field”. The feeling is that of an inside or outside, because failing this chance to overtake Lazio could cost a lot. Garcia is grappling with the usual training problems: in addition to long-term patients Strootma, Castan, Maicon and Gervinho, Pjanic (injured), De Rossi and Manolas (suspended) will be missing. Torosidis, Yanga Mbiwa, Astori and Holebas will play in defense, in front of De Sanctis, in midfield Florenzi, Paredes and Nainggolan, in attack Iturbe, Totti (fully recovered) and Ljajic. Reja, also struggling with numerous absences (out through disqualification for Biava, Cigarini and Pinilla), will respond with a 4-5-1 in which Denis will act as a lone striker.
