Roma boss Luciano Spalletti will make some changes for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Catania, but he isn’t underestimating the Elefanti.
After a long break, the Cup has returned to add to the demands being placed on the Scudetto chasers.
While Inter face Lazio, Roma must host a Catania side, who are struggling in the League but have already seen off Milan and Udinese en route to the semi-finals.
“I want to see the same performance that we showed in Udine,” Spalletti maintained in Il Romanista.
“We will go out there determined to win and we know that it will be a very difficult game.
“Catania have not been doing well in the League, but they have been playing some excellent football.
“I am expecting to see hunger and determination to reach the Final because it would be another great night and would give our fans some wonderful memories.”
Catania Coach Walter Zenga has stressed that the Sicilians will take the game seriously despite their relegation fears and his men have already rewritten the record books by reaching this stage.
“I know that Catania’s players will be very motivated as they can make history,” Spalletti stressed. “But we are ready and we can do the job on the night.”
Former Cagliari man Mauro Esposito is likely to get a rare start, as are Matteo Brighi and Vitorino Antunes.
The second leg will be played on May 7 and Roma will be looking to reach their fourth consecutive Final.
Roma (probable): Curci; Cicinho, Mexes, Panucci, Antunes; Brighi, Pizarro, Esposito, Giuly, Mancini; Totti
Catania (probable): Rossi; Alvarez, Silvestri, Silvestre, Sabato; Izco, Edusei, Tedesco, Biagianti; Martinez, Mascara
