Roma vs Catania Match preview

Italian Cup: Roma vs Catania

After elimination from the Champions League Roma have the chance to fight for the double crown in Italy. While the lo scudetto race is slowly slipping away since Inter are still on four ahead, while Coppa Italia is the competition where they have real chances for the trophy. Giallorossi are the experts for the cup, they won it the last two years and Spalletti will definitely insist on serious approach against Catania so Roma could already in the first match solve the question of finals. Sicilians made a great success by qualifying for the semifinals, having eliminated Udinese but this competition is not their priority. A mere glance at the standings shows why. Actually, Catania are hosting Lazio on Sunday; they must win since losing the Sicilian derby saw them complicate their situation. Elephants are only two points ahead of relegation zone; they are hosting Lazio, Reggina and Roma, traveling to Udine and Torino against Juventus. Not at all an easy schedule but if they win at least two home games they could avoid relegation to Serie B.

Roma showed their mentality in Udine

Although tired from the game in Manchester, Romans held their head high and took points from Friuli, without reducing Inter’s lead but they are still in the race. They have an easier schedule than their rivals and they hope to profit on neroazzurri mistakes in a photo finish. You never know; in the past Inter showed that their biggest opponents are themselves but it is not realistic to expect them drop their lead. That is why we think it more realistic that Roma triumph in Coppa Italia where Inter or even their city rivals will await in the finals. This could be the chance for Spalletti’s side to revenge for the recent defeat that decreased their chance for the title. Roma were losing in Udine but when the home side failed to use several chances to finish them, the quality soon surfaced. Injured Totti means a lot to the team, even when he is only standing on the pitch; Vucinic has done all the work being the best player together with Taddei. Visitors have more experience but the fact that Udinese have many problems in defense without Zapata and Mesto, decided in the end.

Catania continued playing weak away

New coach Walter Zenga wrapped up his debut with a victory over Napoli at Massimino, but all problems again emerged in the Sicilian derby. The elephants defended at Barbera, counted on a point but Miccoli's strike in the finish solved the game in favour of the hosts. Clearly, such rigid tactics won’t provide success for Catania away, Zenga tried 4-5-1 formation, was somewhat braver in the finish but when you fail to score there is not much hope. That is why Sicilian side will try to win the matches at home. Catania took 6 points away, the least in the league.

Betting Verdict

Roma are absolute favourites that will without a doubt, be motivated in this match. Some of the previous seasons showed that unlike other big clubs, they take this competition seriously. We should mention that Catania suffered a shipwreck at Olimpico last season, a 7:0 defeat which hurts to date. This season they conceded only two goals but if our memory serves us well, they didn't even jeopardize Doni. Zenga will field a combined line-up since Sunday holds a much more important match. The news on the line-ups can be found on our website on Wednesday.

Team news : Juan, Perrotta, Vucinic will be rested for Roma, Totti will play with Taddei, Mancini and Giuly behind him. Zenga will rest some regulars like keeper Polito, captain Baiocco and experienced striker Spinesi...also fantastic Vargas that is transfer target for Roma wont play.

Our tip: Bet 8 on Home win
Odds 1.36 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers