Roma - Palermo
Posted Saturday, February 13, 2010 by Goal.com
The Giallorossi would be attempting to consolidate the second spot in the table.
Kick Off: Saturday, February 13, 2010, 18:00 CET.
Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
Going Places
The last time Roma lost a game was against Udinese in the league in late October. Since then the Giallorossi have qualified for the latter stages of the Europa League, have put one foot in the final of the Coppa Italia and have reached the second spot in Serie A.
At the moment Roma are second behind Inter with 44 points from 23 matches. The Giallorossi defeated Fiorentina 1-0 in Florence last weekend and would be encouraged by the hugely impressive unbeaten run they are in right now.
Champions League Beckons
Coach Delio Rossi has really worked wonders at crisis-ridden Palermo as the Sicilians are currently fifth in the Serie A standings with 37 points from 23 matches. Last weekend they defeated Parma 2-1 at home which when combined with Napoli's defeat to Udinese implies that the Rosanero are just one point from off a Champions League spot.
Prior to their game against Parma, Palermo had gone down 4-2 to Bari, leading some to speculate that indeed the Sicilians were struggling. However, they showed that they had not suffered from exhaustion when they garnered maximum points last weekend.
FORM GUIDE
Roma
February 7 v Fiorentina (A) - WON 1-0 (Serie A)
February 4 v Udinese (H) - WON 2-0 (Coppa Italia)
January 31 v Siena (H) - WON 2-1 (Serie A)
January 26 v Catania (H) - WON 1-0 (Coppa Italia)
January 24 v Juventus (A) - WON 2-1 (Serie A)
Palermo
February 6 v Parma (H) - WON 2-1 (Serie A)
January 30 v Bari (A) - LOST 4-2 (Serie A)
January 24 v Fiorentina (H) WON 3-0 (Serie A)
January 17 v Napoli (A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)
January 14 v Lazio (A) - LOST 2-0 (Coppa Italia)
TEAM NEWS
Roma
Toni and Totti are out for certain with injuries while Mexes and De Rossi are struggling for fitness.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio Sergio, Motta, Mexes, Juan, Riise; Pizarro, De Rossi; Taddei, Perrotta, Baptista; Vucinic
Palermo
Mchedlidze and Tedesco are unavailable for trip to Roma while Blasi, Bresciano, Nocerino, Balzaretti and Cassani are doubtful. Carrozzieri and Nocerino are suspended.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Sirigu, Cassani, Kjaer, Bovo, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Liverani, Bresciano; Pastore; Miccoli, Cavani
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rodrigo Taddei (Roma)
Taddei has been in excellent form in recent weeks and has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer. The former Siena midfielder had started the season in under-par form but he has picked himself up and would be a key player on Saturday evening.
Fabio Simplicio (Palermo)
The Brazilian is one of the most underrated players in Europe but Palermo have done good to themselves to have kept the player in Sicily. Simplicio scored against Parma last weekend and he would be a key asset against Roma at the Olimpico.
PREDICTION
It should be an entertaining match and they could be a number of goals. However, it is hard to see Roma lose, although a draw is still on the cards.
Roma 2-1 Palermo
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