Roma vs Cagliari

Nothing is ever easy for AS Roma and this season has not been any different. The euphoria of having defeated Lazio in the derby was quickly quieted by their inability to get more than one point from their visit to the lowly Empoli which resulted in a 2-2 draw. It was hoped that Ned Spalletti’s side would be able to take advantage of the fact that Inter Milan and Juventus were playing each other but in the end nothing changed as far as the Serie A league table is concerned.

This week they are not only missing club captain Francesco Totti along with Aquilani, but the Brazilian Taddei is now very doubtful to start. These developments will put a lot of pressure on the Chilean David Pizarro to produce in the play maker role. This week’s opponent for Roma, Cagliari, come in with their own problems. They are winless over their last 5 matches and this includes crashing at home last week to Sampdoria in an ugly 0-3 loss.Cagliari have now fallen to 17^th place in Serie A and are only out of the relegation zone because of goal difference. They have problems in the back line where Uruguayan Diego Lopez has finally returned from injury but at best is expected to be available off of the bench. His Uruguayan mate Joe Bizera will take his spot in central defense.

Despite Roma’s poor performance of a week ago and the fact that they could be missing some key players including the aforementioned Totti, they should have enough fire power to handle the struggling Cagliari at home. This is the type of match which title contenders always find a way to win. It would take a tremendous effort by the visitor’s this week to be able to finally put an end to their winless run at the Stadio Olimpico of all places, especially given that Roma are one of 3 undefeated sides left in Serie A. With manager Giampaolo hinting at playing an offensive style away to Roma with the way his side leak goals- 18 in 11 matches- it can only spell disaster.

Prediction: Home win (3-1)