Leaders Juventus aim for building pts
16 Feb 2014 5:00 AM IST
Roma took a 3-2 advantage over Napoli into their Italian Cup semifinal second leg on Wednesday but departed with their tails between their legs after a 3-0 rout by Rafael Benitez’s side, who will now meet Fiorentina in the Cup final.
Rudi Garcia’s Roma have so far done well to stay in touch with leaders Juventus - they are nine points behind with a game in hand - and keep Antonio Conte’s champions on their toes as they bid for a third successive scudetto.
But while Juventus are expected to claim an easy three points at home against a Chievo side who are just one point above the drop zone, Roma’s task against Sampdoria is not quite so straightforward.
Mihajlovic remains friends with Roma captain and icon Totti but the former Lazio midfielder expects his side to play to the open, attacking game that has helped him steer them out of the danger zone to just below mid-table since his appointment two months ago.
‘I’ve told the lads to play our usual style, even in these big games because having this mentality then makes it easier to beat the team who have our level,’ Mihajlovic told the Corriere dello Sport.
‘Maybe on Sunday we can give Roma most problems on the counter-attack, but it doesn’t really matter. ‘If we had to, we’d settle for a draw although I’m convinced we will score anyway. That’s why I prefer an open style of game -- afterwards, none of us can have any regrets.’
Roma will be expected to beat Parma when their game, postponed due to heavy rain two weeks ago.
Rudi Garcia’s Roma have so far done well to stay in touch with leaders Juventus - they are nine points behind with a game in hand - and keep Antonio Conte’s champions on their toes as they bid for a third successive scudetto.
But while Juventus are expected to claim an easy three points at home against a Chievo side who are just one point above the drop zone, Roma’s task against Sampdoria is not quite so straightforward.
Mihajlovic remains friends with Roma captain and icon Totti but the former Lazio midfielder expects his side to play to the open, attacking game that has helped him steer them out of the danger zone to just below mid-table since his appointment two months ago.
‘I’ve told the lads to play our usual style, even in these big games because having this mentality then makes it easier to beat the team who have our level,’ Mihajlovic told the Corriere dello Sport.
‘Maybe on Sunday we can give Roma most problems on the counter-attack, but it doesn’t really matter. ‘If we had to, we’d settle for a draw although I’m convinced we will score anyway. That’s why I prefer an open style of game -- afterwards, none of us can have any regrets.’
Roma will be expected to beat Parma when their game, postponed due to heavy rain two weeks ago.
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