Bologna vs Roma preview - Gillet desperate for Christmas success

Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by PA

Bologna goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet hopes to give his side's fans an early Christmas present with victory over Roma.

The Romans arrive to the Renato Dall' Ara stadium in seventh place and trailing Udinese, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot, by 10 points.

Bologna, meanwhile, have different priorities, and talk within the camp is of avoiding relegation.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Genoa dropped the Rossoblu to 16th place, three points clear of the drop zone.

While Gillet admits the arrival of Roma presents a challenge, he insists his side will go all out in their attempt to secure their third win at home this season.

"Without a doubt, it is a difficult match," Gillet said. "We will try with all our might to win.

"We play at home and we want do well for the fans.

"We want to close out the year well because our goal is to achieve salvation as soon as possible and in order for that to happen we need to improve."

Stefano Pioli's men have given away four goals in their last two games and will have to show a vast improvement against a Roma side that had their best performance of the campaign last weekend.

Roma won 3-1 at Napoli having previously held Serie A leaders Juventus to a 1-1 draw in Rome.

"It's a beautiful time for us," Roma coach Luis Enrique said.

"We played very well at Napoli and we took home a great result.

"This is the way my Roma team should play in every game."

The result lifted the Eternal City giants level on 21 points with Napoli.

The visitors welcome back midfielder Miralem Pjanic from suspension.

Roma captain Francesco Totti will play in support of attacking pair Erik Lamela and Daniel Osvaldo.