Troubled Roma take on unbeaten Juve

Struggling Roma are in for a complicated affair when they welcome leaders Juventus for a classic Serie A match Monday at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juventus, who top the standings with 29 points from 13 games, go into the game as favourites, given their unbeaten record, a fast and aggressive game and the low morale of their opponents.

However, in-form midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who is level on six goals with striker Alessandro Matri, warned not to take anything for granted.

"They are having a difficult time, but we should be careful because they surely want to bounce back," Marchisio said.

"Although the sports judge has already suspended three of them, if I were to choose one to sideline, I would say (Daniele) De Rossi."

Two straight defeats, with five goals conceded, dropped the Giallorossi 12 points from the top, stalling the plans of new coach Luis Enrique to create a game and an identity in a team loaded with newcomers.

In last weekend's 3-0 drubbing at Fiorentina, veteran defender Juan and the young forwards Fernando Gago and Bojan Krkic were red carded and are unavailable against Juve.

Enrique may have to use midfielder De Rossi in defence, where, beside Juan, he has Nicolas Burdisso and Simon Kjaer injured, while Marco Cassetti struggles to recover by Monday.

"I think that if this team closed the season in the top three, it would make a miracle," De Rossi said. "We must continue to improve and work to achieve the identity we are seeking."

Also missing the game as Juve's only absentee is former Roma striker Mirko Vucinic.

Juve's closest chasers are champions AC Milan and Udinese, trailing two points adrift before Sunday games at Bologna and at home to Chievo, respectively.

The 14th round opens Saturday with Siena at home to Genoa and newly appointed coach Serse Cosmi steering bottom side Lecce against fourth-place Lazio.

Inter Milan look to boost an embarrassing 14-point tally as they host Fiorentina late Saturday, when Palermo entertain lowly Cesena.

In late Sunday action, promoted Novara welcome a buoyant Napoli, who in mid-week moved into the round of 16 of the Champions League by winning 2-0 at Villareal - a goal they last reached 21 years ago.