SERIE A CHAMPIONSHIP – Rome, in Cagliari to dispel a taboo and keep the dream alive

The race continues. After closing the gap on Juve, Roma are back on the road towards a dream called the Scudetto. Difficult to grab the Lady who dominates from her 8 point lead, but not impossible. “They are obviously favourites, but we will make sure that we are within 5 points after the match in Cagliari – thought Rudi Garcia at the press conference. – We will have to do our own and then wait 24 hours”. Yes, because Juventus will play tomorrow which could also put a little pressure on them. Provided, however, that Roma beat Sant'Elia, a field on which they haven't won since 1995. On that distant 29 October 19 years ago they decided a brace from Fonseca, then 4 draws and 7 defeats (last year the Giallorossi won 3-0, but at the table). The curse continued this season as well, given that in the first leg the Sardinians stopped the Garcia gang on 0-0. “Statistics are meant to be changed – replied the French coach. We know it's always difficult to win away from home, but we have to do it." Cheeky, self-confident and damned good: Garcia is the perfect image of his team, which has now reached the crucial phase of the season. “We had one goal, to return to Europe – the coach's analysis. – This has already been achieved, now we want the Champions League without preliminaries, so we have to finish first or second. We have given fans and players a smile back, this is more important than the standings." It's hard to blame him, that's why in the capital they can't wait to secure him with a contract extension. “At the end of the championship we will talk to Sabatini – the answer from the person concerned. – From the very beginning we have worked side by side and this is what we will do in the future as well. But first you have to play for this championship final and get as high as possible". And to do this, a great Rome will be needed, starting this afternoon (15 pm). The Giallorossi will try to dispel the Cagliari taboo with the usual 4-3-3: De Sanctis in goal, Maicon, Benatia, Castan and Romagnoli in defence, Pjanic, De Rossi and Nainggolan (the ex of the match) in midfield, Gervinho, Destro and Totti (the captain has recovered from a slight muscle strain) in attack. Lopez will respond with a 4-3-1-2 with Avramov in goal, Pisano, Del Fabro, Astori and Avelar in defense, Dessena, Conti, Ekdal in midfield, Cossu in the trocar, Ibarbo and Nenè in attack.