Roma have let their foot slip off the gas since their 7-1 mauling at Old Trafford against Manchester United. One point from their last two games handed the Scudetto to Inter but with a 10-point lead over third-placed Milan, and a Champions League spot guaranteed, it will be hard to find motivation for the last four games of the season, although a win would finally confirm them in second place.

Palermo, meanwhile, have at last managed to record their first win since early February and under new Coach Renzo Gobbo may have refound their form and determination at just the right time. After free-falling out of the Champions League places they have an uphill struggle to close the six-point gap to fourth-placed Lazio, but a win over the Giallorossi could well kick-start their run-in – which is notably easier than the Biancocelesti’s as they still have to travel to Inter.

Back in December it was Luciano Spalletti’s side who were clearly dominant, taking a 4-0 win from their clash at the Stadio Olimpico. Francesco Totti and Amantino Mancini both took two goals apiece in that game. That result, in a bad-tempered game, confirmed the Roman side as Inter’s true Scudetto rivals. Palermo do have two recent wins on home soil over their opponents, a 2-1 Coppa Italia win last term and a 2-0 Serie A triumph the season before.

Last April when the two sides met at the Renzo Barbera the outcome was the points shared in a six-goal thriller. Roma will remember the game for their amazing second-half capitulation, as after taking a 3-0 half-time lead – thanks to goals from Rodrigo Taddei and a two-minute brace from Mancini – they let the Rosanero back into the match through a David Di Michele strike and a double from Simone Barone.

That game had come close after the capital club had eliminated the Sicilians from the Coppa Italia and a pink and black revenge attack had been promised. This time out Palermo just have their pride and fading Champions League dream to spur them on – their fans will be hoping that is enough of an incentive.

Palermo remain with Andrea Caracciolo as the sole attacker this week and switch to a flat back four rather than play with just the trio of Giuseppe Biava, Andrea Barzagli and Cristian Zaccardo who started at Livorno last weekend. Andrea Pisano comes into the defence with Aimo Diana falling out of his midfield slot to make way.

For Roma, Max Tonetto, Mirko Vucinic and Francesco Totti join long-term injury casualties Valerio Virga and Gilberto Martinez on the treatment table. Marco Cassetti replaces Tonetto while Francesco Tavano takes Totti’s role as the lone forward.

Man on fire: David Di Michele (Palermo) – A 75th minute winner against Livorno sealed Palermo’s first three point pick-up since February and salvaged their remote chance of sneaking back into the top four places.

channel4.com