From the Scudetto dream to the fear of losing even second place. Roma's moment is far from easy: 2015 horribilis (only two victories out of 10 league games) caused them to lose points and certainties, as well as create some apprehension. Yes, because if Napoli continues to struggle (with the defeat in Verona, the Azzurri remain at -4), the sporting enemy par excellence is blowing on Garcia's neck, Lazio which today, in case of victory, could find themselves in third place solo. And so on Monday in the championship, in addition to a Fiorentina-Milan which we will talk about separately, it offers a real Roman derby for the Champions League area, albeit from a distance. Lazio will open the dance on the Turin field (19 pm), in a match that promises to be interesting and balanced.
“We don't have to look at the standings, we're just thinking about our match – warned Pioli. – Our goal is to win all the remaining races between now and the end”. An important ambition but, all things considered, justified. The biancocelesti are in great shape, moreover, compared to all the other rivals for the Champions area, they will not have the burden of European midweek commitments. The latest results (4 consecutive victories with Udinese, Palermo, Sassuolo and Fiorentina) certify a very important overall growth which, in the Lazio environment, is mainly attributed to Pioli. “We are a humble and united group, the results are the result of the weekly work – the coach scoffed. – Against Turin, however, it will not be easy, before the defeat in Udine he had strung together 16 consecutive useful results. We will have to play a great match."
The Biancocelesti will have to do without the suspended Candreva but, in general, they will be able to count on a greater freshness than the Toro, exhausted by the away match in St. Petersburg. Pioli will play with the usual 4-3-3: Marchetti in goal, Basta, De Vrij, Mauricio and Radu in defense, Castaldi, Biglia and Parolo in midfield, Felipe Anderson, Klose and Mauri in attack. Ventura wants redemption but will necessarily take into account the imminent European return with Zenit. That's why Quagliarella should start from the bench against a Martinez-Maxi Lopez attack duo.
At 21 it will be Rome's turn, called to interrupt the "acute draw" of the last two months. In fact, the bonuses derived from the excellent start are running out and, more than ever, the Giallorossi need to win. The abstinence has lasted for over a month (2-1 in Cagliari on 8 February) which becomes almost 4 if we consider the home games: it seems incredible but Roma haven't taken full spoils at the Olimpico since last November 30 (4-2 on Inter)! “We absolutely must return to victory, playing in our stadium in front of our curve is always an honor – Garcia's words. – I hope this is a motivation, not an inhibition. And in any case all streaks, even the negative ones, have an end”.
Everyone in the Roma milieu hopes so: in fact, the moment is crucial. The pursuers press and Thursday there will be the European return against Fiorentina. "I don't intend to manage anything, I will field the best team without thinking about the Viola" explained the French coach who, however, will have to give up some important players. Injuries to De Rossi and Manolas added to the disqualified Nainggolan and even captain Totti, although called up, is certainly not in top condition. Garcia's 4-3-3 should include De Sanctis in goal, Florenzi, Yanga Mbiwa, Astori and Holebas in defense, Paredes, Keita and Pjanic in midfield, Gervinho, Ljajic and Iturbe in attack. Mihajlovic will respond with a 4-3-1-2 in which Eto'o will play as attacking midfielder behind Okaka and Eder, the latter preferred over Muriel.
