AS Roma vs. Calcio Catania – I Giallorossi hunt UEFA Champions League – Serie A Preview
Calcio Catania ready to battle the visitors
The Sicilians have had a tough time in the Italian top flight this term and were under relegation threat not so long ago. However, the team staged impressive outings in the second half of the season and now sit 13th in the Serie A rankings.
The team’s bad run was certainly down to their inconsistency on away venues. The Rossazzurri have faced big disappointments playing away from Stadio Angelo Massimino. Of the total 18 away games, the Etnei have won a single game, lost 11 and equalized on 6 occasions. The home form, on the other end, has been a lot better as they have lost only 4 games at home, won 10 and the drew the remaining fixtures.
The Gli Elefanti have won 5 of their last 6 home games. With Roma set to visit them for the upcoming fixture, Coach http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058 Simeone has fired the warning shots.
"It’s going to be a combative game just like I like it. Roma will come here needing to get points for Champions League qualification but they will find a Catania team that is physically and mentally ready. We want to do well in our last game at home and we expect a packed stadium.''
AS Roma keen to qualify in top four
AS Roma are keen to make up for their poor early season form with UEFA Champions League qualification for the upcoming 2011/12 campaign. Last year’s runner-ups were expected challenge for Scudetto but only have disappointment to show for their efforts.
It will be I Lupi’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan in the semi-finals and only European qualification can redeem their season to some extent.
The team has been a consistent performer at home turf but the away form has been disappointing at times, costing the team valuable points. Of the 18 games the Giallorossi have played away from Stadio Olimpico thus far, Montella’s men have won and lost seven while the remaining four clashes failed to produce any winners. However, the team has managed to show great form in their last 5 away games; La Maggica have not lost a single contest, winning 4 and equalizing the remaining game.
"We have to win at Catania because we have the chance to finish in the top four. I believed it was possible when we were nine points behind. You always have to believe in order not to have regrets.'' Vincenzo Montella said.
Team News
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Calcio-Catania-c38719
The home team will be without Nicolas Spolli, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giuseppe-Bellusci-c15019 as the aforementioned players are injured.
Maxi Lopez (7 goals) might be able to make his way through the Roman defence to play a vital role for the home team.
AS Roma
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniele-De-Rossi-c10112 are suspended for this game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marco-Borriello-c23672 (10 goals, 2 assists) would lead the attack for the visitors and will be the key players for La Maggica.
Prediction
The game will be a tough encounter as both the teams are enjoying good form. However, AS http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 have a superior squad and will edge out their Sicilian opponents by a 1-0 score line.
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