Thursday, January 6, 2011
AS Roma - Catania
Posted on 4:50 AM by Lionel Messi
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri believes his team cannot afford to overlook today’s opponents Catania.
The Giallorossi are looking to continue their chase of Serie A leaders AC Milan, who they beat before the Christmas break to close the gap to seven points, by claiming three more against their 12th-placed opponents this afternoon.
Catania have not won on their travels for 11 months, but Ranieri insists his side must take the visitors seriously.
The former Chelsea boss said: “It's going to be a difficult game. Catania will put up many hurdles but we have to win.
“We have to start the year well and we must get points this month in order to have a say in the league.”
Meanwhile, Roma captain Francesco Totti has admitted it will be tough for his team to gain ground on Milan, but is refusing to concede they are out of the race for the scudetto.
He said: “Seven points is a big margin, but there are still many games left to play and we will continue to battle for the scudetto.”
Fifth-placed Roma were 1-0 winners at AC Milan in their last outing prior to Christmas, while Catania put their away day blues to one side to gain a 1-0 victory at home to Brescia.
The Giallorossi are looking to continue their chase of Serie A leaders AC Milan, who they beat before the Christmas break to close the gap to seven points, by claiming three more against their 12th-placed opponents this afternoon.
Catania have not won on their travels for 11 months, but Ranieri insists his side must take the visitors seriously.
The former Chelsea boss said: “It's going to be a difficult game. Catania will put up many hurdles but we have to win.
“We have to start the year well and we must get points this month in order to have a say in the league.”
Meanwhile, Roma captain Francesco Totti has admitted it will be tough for his team to gain ground on Milan, but is refusing to concede they are out of the race for the scudetto.
He said: “Seven points is a big margin, but there are still many games left to play and we will continue to battle for the scudetto.”
Fifth-placed Roma were 1-0 winners at AC Milan in their last outing prior to Christmas, while Catania put their away day blues to one side to gain a 1-0 victory at home to Brescia.
