Bari vs Roma preview - Montella makes case for Champions League place

Roma go into the clash at Bari confident they can claim the precious fourth place in Serie A by the end of the season.

The Eternal City giants are sixth, four points behind fellow Champions League contenders Lazio with four games remaining.

"We answered those people who had doubts about our team's quality by winning against Chievo last weekend," said Roma coach Vincenzo Montella.

"I was convinced that I had a team in good form and that they would be able to prove it.

"After our setback against Palermo, it was important for us to get back to winning ways and we did just that.

"The game at Bari is crucial for our European ambitions.

"We know that we will have to battle with Lazio and (fifth-placed) Udinese in our last games for the last Champions League qualifying spot and we are ready for the task."

Fourth-place Lazio, who take on Juventus on Monday, visit Udinese on May 8 while Montella's men take on leaders AC Milan after their clash at Bari.

"We just have to focus on our games and see where that takes us," said Montella.

"For us the most important game is on Sunday because it's our next encounter.

"Only after Sunday's game can we focus on our next matches."

Rivals Bari have nothing to play for except pride.

The Galletti are already doomed to Serie B football, 24 months after gaining promotion to Italy's top flight.

Last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria was Bari's 21st loss of the campaign and left them at the foot of the standings, 14 points behind Samp, who hold the last position of safety.

Bortolo Mutti's side have won only four times this season.

Bari have the worst attack in the league with only 20 goals in 34 games, and one of the weakest defences, having conceded 49.

"We have had a dreadful season," said Bari goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet. "But we will honour the shirt until the end of the campaign."