Roma vs Palermo

Roma take on Palermo in week 20 needing to win in order to keep pace with the red hot Inter Milan. They will be facing Palermo side that are coming off of a tough loss at home while they themselves are undefeated in their last 13.

Roma held serve at home over Catania by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. In addition to extending their unbeaten run to 13 the match was Roma’s 3^rd consecutive victory. Their last loss came against Inter Milan back in September. The side managed by Spalletti are in 2^nd place of Serie A with 42 points on the season, 7 back of Inter Milan and 5 ahead of 3^rd place Juventus. Their 42 points would normally be superb but given Inter’s dominance Roma must continue to win just to stay alive. There are 2 confirmed absences this week with Juan out injured and De Rossi suspended. In addition, Francesco Totti is dealing with lumbar pain and is now listed as doubtful. Should he not be able to go Vucinic would start. Brighi will substitute for De Rossi.

Palermo are in 9^th place of Serie A with 25 points on the season. They sit just behind 8^th place Sampdoria on goal difference and hold a 1 point edge on AC Milan. The side managed by Guidolin are coming off of a very disappointing performance at home last week when they fell to Siena by a score of 2-3 at the Renzo Barbera. It was Palermo’s second straight loss and extended their winless run to 3 matches. In fact, they have lost both of their matches so far in 2008. The only injury absence this week is expected to be Pisano so Guidolin and stick with his 4-3-2-1 featuring Amauri as the lone striker.

Roma are on a roll and despite some possible injury absences appear more than capable of taking care of Palermo at home. Palermo have lost just 4 of 9 matches away this season but their form of late has left a lot to be desire. Roma should hold serve at the Olimpico.

Prediction: Roma (2-1)