AS Roma vs Juventus preview - No added pressure for Roma chief

Posted Monday, December 12, 2011 by PA

Roma coach Luis Enrique insists he does not feel any additional pressure ahead of the home match against Juventus despite his team's poor run of form in Serie A.

The Romans have managed just two wins in their last six league games and suffered a 3-0 defeat at Fiorentina last weekend.

That result followed their 2-0 loss at Udinese and dropped Roma to 10th in the standings, but Luis Enrique is concerned only with the Juve game.

"I don't know if this game will mark a turning point or if it will bring me down," he said. "The only think that worries me is that the team to beat is Juventus.

"The rest does not bother me.

"Juve is a very strong team and has a great coach.

"I consider this game the most difficult because Juve are in great form.

"We will need to go out on the pitch without fear and showing the best Roma in order to beat a very strong Juve."

Juve lie 12 points clear of Roma and will look to keep their unbeaten run this season at the Stadio Olimpico.

They won 2-0 against Genoa in the last round to record their eighth win in 13 games.

The Turin giants lie second, one point behind leaders Udinese ahead of Monday's encounter.

Udinese won 2-1 against Chievo on Sunday to leapfrog Juventus in the standings.

Despite their good run of form, Juve coach Antonio Conte has warned his players to expect a difficult game at Roma.

"It's always a challenge to play at Roma," Conte said. "We have great respect for Luis Enrique and for his team.

"They have great players and are a very good side."

Luis Enrique will be forced to make wholesale changes to the team for the game against Juve with defenders Simon Kjaer, Nicolas Burdisso and Marco Cassetti out injured while Juan is suspended.

To add to Roma's woes, midfielder Gago and striker Bojan will serve a one-match ban.

Roma captain Francesco Totti is set to start behind attacking pair Daniel Osvaldo and Erik Lamela.

Conte will have all of his players available with the exception of injured striker Mirko Vucinic.