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Serie A Week 13 - 23/11/08 (14.00 UK)
Lecce - Roma
Stadio Via Del Mare
Roma will try to maintain their momentum after a precious derby win over Lazio as they visit a Lecce side sliding towards the relegation zone.
Newly promoted Lecce started the season positively, but they have hit a rocky patch in recent weeks. The Salentini did well to steal a draw against Milan in Week 11, but Coach Mario Beretta has managed to collect just one win in the last seven outings.
The Via Del Mare men battled hard against Sampdoria last weekend, but they fell to a 3-2 defeat despite the valiant efforts of understated striking star Simone Tiribocchi. While Roma will be favourites to take the points, Lecce are a tough nut to crack on home soil and are unbeaten in their Apulian fortress.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti declared that his side were “back in business” after their tight 1-0 win over Lazio last Sunday. However, there’s a lot more work to do if the Lupi are to battle back into the half of the table they expect to be in. The capital club’s miserable start to the campaign means that they are still 16 points from leaders Inter and 12 shy of Champions League qualification.
Last season’s runners-up have had some false dawns already this term and know that they must put together a consistent run if they are to turn things around. The key to managing that will be finally finding some away form because Roma are yet to win on their travels. Spalletti’s side must host Fiorentina in Week 14 and will only approach that game with confidence if they make it six points from six.
The Romans won the last meeting 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico, but they could only manage draws in the last two at Via Del Mare. Roma’s last win in Lecce was a resounding 3-0 in April 2004.
Lecce tactician Beretta has a strong squad at his disposal. Brazilian defender Angelo and reserve goalkeeper Davide Petrachi have been struggling with injuries, but may both be available for selection.
Alberto Aquilani has been out for Roma for nearly a month with a thigh problem, but he may be ready to make his return. Veteran hitman Vincenzo Montella is also out injured. Midfielder Simone Perrotta is suspended after picking up a late red card against Lazio.
Keep an eye on: Julio Baptista (Roma) – The Beast decided the Derby della Capitale and is starting to settle in the Eternal City. Maybe he can finally show his undoubted potential.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Lecce (L D D D L) Roma (L L L D W)
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Lecce (probable): Benussi; Polenghi, Stendardo, Fabiano, Esposito; Giacomazzi, Zanchetta, Ariatti, Caserta; Castillo, Tiribocchi
Roma (probable): Doni; Cassetti, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; Pizarro, De Rossi, Brighi; Baptista, Vucinic, Totti
Ref: To follow…
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were on the right path and direction, now all we need to do is cont and wth pace.
no time to be looking back, lets not even take granted any team, game , min, free kick etc etc.
wth more players back from injury im hoping to see a more solid side of roma, a roma that isnt affected by the problems so far, tho we do need to cut any errors now
Serie A' MD13: Lecce - Roma [23-11-08]
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