Roma vs Catania

December 21, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Buoyed by two promising results against some of Italy’s top sides, Roma play host to Catania in an attempt to get their Serie A title bid back on track. Meanwhile, the Elephants have failed to climb from the bottom of the standings, and they clearly face an uphill task at Stadio Olimpico.

Roma back in business

Roma largely impressed in the opening exchanges, recording ten straight victories in Serie A, while conceding just one goal in the process, but the Giallorossi have since suffered a small dip in form. Straight draws against Torino, Sassuolo, Cagliari and Atalanta seriously damaged team’s title hopes, although the good news is Rudi Garcia’s side are back to their best. A convincing performance over very good Fiorentina side proved enough for the team to return to winning ways, and Roma in turn produced another impressive performance as they faced Milan away, but were terribly unfortunate not to pick up all three points after twice failing to hold on to their lead. Nevertheless, the most important thing is confidence is restored and the hosts go into their final game in 2013 high on confidence. Roma may be without two important midfielders, but talismanic forward Francesco Totti returns to the side, which is enough to suggest the Giallorossi will be extending the good run of performances against rock-bottom Catania. Having won six of eight home games this term, keeping five clean sheets in the process, Roma also look a good bet to win to nil.

Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman miss out through suspension, whereas Federico Balzaretti and Marco Borriello are out injured, whereas Leandro Castan faces a fitness test.

Problems continue to mount

Despite the fact the squad hadn’t undergone major changes in the summer, Catania have amassed 12 points less than they did at this point last season, slipping to the bottom of the standings in the process. And while numerous injury problems certainly played a part, everything suggests departure of Francesco Lodi and Alejandro Gomez is the main reason behind team’s disappointing performances. The Elephants stayed without two main creative outlets in the summer and with the club officials failing to sign proper replacements, it is hardly surprising the team have scored mere 10 goals in 16 league fixtures. With key attacker Gonzalo Bergessio completely out of form and still not fully fit, the attacking worries look set to continue. Catania may have ended a three-match losing run last weekend, but a goalless draw against Hellas Verona at home cannot really be considered a step in the right direction. Taking also into account that Roma boast a formidable attack, keeping another clean sheet looks a mission impossible for the Elephants.

Nicolas Spolli is banned, whereas Giuseppe Bellusci and Sergio Almiron are out injured. It is important to note that all three players are normally considered first team regulars.

Verdict

Roma have been raising their form of late and with the hosts boosted by two impressive performances and Francesco Totti’s return, they look set for a comfortable victory. Catania have some important missings and have now failed to score in two successive fixtures, so we cannot really expect them to fare any better at Stadio Olimpico.

Top pick: Roma/Roma   1.73 (8/11) @ Betfair

Alternative pick 1: Roma to win to nil   2.00 (1/1) @ Paddy Power

Alternative pick 2: Totti to score   2.10 (11/10) @ bet365

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