Roma vs Inter Milan preview - Roma aim to close gap on Inter
Posted Sunday, February 05, 2012 by PA
Roma coach Luis Enrique has urged his side to play without fear in Sunday's Serie A game against Inter Milan, which was put back 24 hours due to the bitterly cold weather affecting Italy.
Luis Enrique expects a drastic improvement from his players after they followed their 1-1 draw against Bologna with a 4-2 defeat at Cagliari on Wednesday.
"We have made mistakes against lower sides and those errors have cost us to lose some games," he said.
"But I see a team that has the potential to become great provided it gives 100% in every game.
"When we were 2-1 up against Cagliari, my players relaxed and thought they had already won the game.
"I am nevertheless confident that the team will do much better from here on.
"Against Inter I expect a difficult game and I hope the fans will give us great support as always.
"We have to go on the pitch without fear because we can beat Inter."
The result in Sardinia ended Roma's six-match unbeaten run and dropped the Giallorossi to sixth place, five points behind Inter.
Inter travel to the Stadio Olimpico also looking to bounce back from disappointing results.
The Nerazzurri followed their 1-0 defeat at Lecce with a 4-4 draw against Palermo in midweek.
The result left Inter five points behind Udinese, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
Inter captain Javier Zanetti has warned his team-mates to expect a battle in the Eternal City.
"We expect a tough game in Rome and it will be even trickier because Roma lost against Cagliari while we weren't able to win against Palermo," he said. "Both sides will be determined to get the three points."
Inter coach Claudio Ranieri, who resigned as Roma manager a year ago, will be bolstered by the return of defender Walter Samuel.
Samuel missed the clash against Palermo with a muscle injury.
The hosts are still without midfielder Daniele De Rossi and striker Daniel Osvaldo, both out injured.
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