Day Of Reckoning For Roma And Juve
Saturday 5th May 2001
The top-of-the-table clash between Juventus and Roma on Sunday is given
extra spice by the fact that the rival coaches used to play for the
opposition.
Carlo Ancelotti, who starred for Roma when they last won the title in 1983,
looks to forget Juve's draw at home with Lecce last week and his team is
strengthened by the return of Alessandro Del Piero after injury. He will
partner Filippo Inzaghi.
For Roma, Fabio Capello will use Gabriel Batistuta and Marco Delvecchio up
front. Vincenzo Montella and Abel Balbo are struggling for fitness.
Internazionale, a point behind Atalanta in seventh, face a must-win match
after last week's defeat by Brescia. Manager Marco Tardelli is without Bruno
Cirillo, who has a sprain and will be replaced with Matteo Ferrari.
For Atalanta, Giovanni Vavassori is likely to use Nicola Ventola and Fausto
Rossini as strikers with Domenico Morfeo just behind.
Lazio's hopes of retaining the Scudetto rely on Roma going down in Turin.
But first they must take three points against Bari.
Ghanian star Daniel Ola is likely to be on the bench as Dino Zoff takes
advantage of the new Italian rules on non-EU players. South American pair
Hernan Crespo and Claudio Lopez will lead the attack.
For Bari, Arcangelo Sciannimanico makes his debut as manager after taking
over from Eugenio Fascetti, who was sacked last week.
Parma aim to see off the challenge of Milan for the final Champions' League
spot with victory over lowly Napoli. Renzo Ulivieri will have Lilian Thuram
back in defence after the France international recovered from a muscle
problem. Edmundo is out for Napoli.
AC Milan, three points behind Parma in fifth, face a Perugia side full of
confidence after their astonishing victory at Bari last week. Demetrio
Albertini comes back into the midfield for the San Siro giants after a
long-term injury. Perugia boss Serse Cosmi has doubts over Fabio Liverani
and Luca Saudati.
Verona must beat Fiorentina if they are to improve their chances of avoiding
relegation. Manager Attilio Perotti is without the suspended Fabrizio Ferron
(Domenico Doardo will be in goal) and defender Natale Gonella. Fiorentina
boss Roberto Mancini has Moreno Torricelli back in his defence.
Vicenza entertain Reggina in a relegation six-pointer. Victories over Verona
and Napoli have given the visitors a chance of survival, but Edoardo Reja
can call on Mohammed Kallon after the Sierra Leone striker pulled out of his
international commitments.
