Roma vs Brescia preview - Iachini heralds new dawn

Posted Wednesday, February 02, 2011 by PA

New Brescia boss Giuseppe Iachini is convinced the club will avoid relegation from the Italian top flight as he prepares for his first test at Roma.

Iachini took the reins from Mario Beretta this week after his sacking following the 3-0 defeat to Chievo last weekend.

Brescia have won only five of their 22 Serie A games and go into the clash in Rome languishing in 19th position and looking for only their second away win of the season.

But Iachini, who was dismissed by Brescia in December after a poor run of results, is convinced they can pull away from trouble.

Iachini said: "I am saddened for Beretta but football is like this. I return with enthusiasm and willingness to do well.

"The team is in a difficult situation but I hope I can help my players rediscover the spirit that saw us gain promotion to the top flight last summer.

"I believe we have the quality to defend our Serie A status."

Iachini led Brescia to promotion to Italy's top flight last summer in his first season at the club.

Brescia face a stern test against Roma, the only team in the league that are unbeaten at home this season.

Claudio Ranieri's men go into the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico fully rested after their game at Bologna on Sunday was called off due to bad weather.

"My players wanted to play but the referee made the right decision," Ranieri said. "We could have risked players getting injured due to the icy conditions of the pitch.

"Now we have to look ahead to the game against Brescia."

Roma, who lie level on 38 points with fourth-placed Inter, have recovered top scorer Marco Borriello, who has overcome a back injury.

Brescia will be without midfielder Panagiotis Kone, who serves a one-match ban.

end