The race for second place begins again. Rome and Naples are preparing for a remote challenge which, barring incredible twists, will not lead to the Scudetto but to a secure placement in the Champions League. For the bulletin board nothing changes, for the corporate coffers it does: that's why the Giallorossi and Azzurri, currently divided by only 2 points in the standings, winning becomes fundamental. On paper, both have "easy" matches: Spalletti's team will visit Palermo (20.45 pm), Sarri's will host Crotone (15 pm). Difficult to hypothesize missteps but absolutely irresponsible not to even take them into consideration, even in the light of the far from brilliant period that gripped both. Whoever is worse off is certainly Roma, who in a few days managed to say goodbye to the Scudetto, reopen the race for second place and jeopardize their path both in the Italian Cup and in the Europa League. In other times the trip to Palermo would have been tackled with serenity, but now it becomes a fundamental step in order not to really get into trouble. “We have a wheel in the mud and the responsibility is mine alone – Spalletti's analysis. – We got bogged down but we have the strength to get back on track, the only medicine we need is to win again. My future? I remain consistent with what has been said so far, I will only stay if we win something".
The coach is well aware that the moment is very delicate, also because his team would seem to be running out of petrol. The busy calendar and the short squad don't help but Roma have to grit their teeth and find the energy to get back up. Manolas (suspended) and Perotti (flexor problem in yesterday's training) will not be at Barbera, so Spalletti will opt for a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation with Szczesny in goal, Rudiger, Fazio, Juan Jesus and Emerson in defence, Paredes and Strootman in midfield, Salah, Nainggolan and El Shaarawy supporting lone striker Dzeko. Same system also for Lopez, desperately looking for points to try to reopen the salvation discourse. The Rosanero coach will line up Posavec between the posts, Morganella, Goldaniga, Andelkovic and Aleesami in the back, Gazzi and Chochev in the midfield, Sallai, Henrique and Trajkovski in the trocar behind Nestorovski. The Giallorossi will take the field already knowing the result of Napoli, engaged in the afternoon at the San Paolo against Crotone. The climate will be very different from the fiery one seen with Real Madrid, which however, despite the defeat, did the whole environment good. It is no coincidence that Sarri has decided to go back to speaking to the press, giving us one of the rare pre-match conferences of his championship. “It's not an easy match, I expect my parents to face it with the same spirit as on Tuesday – the coach's words. – Between now and the end of the championship we need to win as many games as possible, we have no other choice if we want to get to the Champions League”. The match with Real took away considerable physical and mental energy, which is why Sarri will make a little more turnover than usual. His 4-3-3 will see Reina in goal, Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly and Strinic in defense, Rog, Jorginho and Hamsik in midfield, Callejon, Milik and Mertens in attack. Nicola will instead present himself with the usual 4-4-2 with Cordaz between the posts, Sampirisi, Dussenne, Ferrari and Martella in the back, Rohden, Capezzi, Crisetig and Stoian in the middle, Falcinelli and Acosty up front.
