Roma will be looking to break the record for most successive wins at the start of a Serie A campaign when they host bottom-placed Chievo, but the hosts cannot afford to take this game lightly.

This is without a doubt the best start to a season for the Giallorossi, who have surprised even the most optimistic of fans with their performances so far.

Summer signings Gervinho, Benatia, Strootman and Ljajic have played their part in helping the team record nine straight league victories, conceding just one goal in the process, but new boss Rudi Garcia also needs to be congratulated for rebuilding the squad in such a short time.

Following derby wins over Inter, Napoli and Udinese, the Giallorossi sit five points clear at the top of the standings and they are now 2.90 (19/10) to stay there come end of the season.

Roma are expected to have an easy job against rock bottom Chievo, and they look a good bet for another win to nil at 1.91 (10/11).

While Douglas Maicon misses out through suspension, Francesco Totti and Mattia Destro remain on the sidelines, meaning Marco Borriello will continue up front.

Gervinho is nearing his return from injury, but he is unlikely to be risked so that he can fully recover for Sunday’s clash with Torino.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis – Torosidis, Benatia, Castan, Balzaretti – Strootman, De Rossi, Pjanic – Florenzi, Borriello, Ljajic.

Chievo usually managed to defy pre-season predictions and ensure Serie A survival without too many problems in the past, but everything suggests this season will be different.

The Flying Donkeys are still masters of their own destiny as they are just two points adrift of safety, but their latest displays are certainly a cause for concern.

The run of five straight defeats saw Giuseppe Sannino’s side slip to the bottom of the standings, and with away matches against Roma and Bologna and home clash with Milan on the horizon, things are likely to become even more difficult.

Chievo now face a mountain to climb as they face red-hot Roma on the road, and nobody really believes they can be the team to stop the impressive Giallorossi.

The good news is that several important players have resumed full training, with Gennaro Sardo and Luca Rigoni likely to be recalled.

On the other hand, Bostjan Cesar is suspended, whereas Dario Dainelli and Adrian Callelo remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Puggioni – Sardo, Bernardini, Claiton, Drame – Estigarribia, L. Rigoni, Radovanovic, Hetemaj – Thereau, Paloschi.