Roma vs Cagliari preview - Cagliari sorrow after storm

Posted Monday, November 25, 2013 by PA

Cagliari go into Monday night's game at Roma with heavy hearts following the cyclone that killed 16 people in Sardinia this week.

The devastating storm hit the Mediterranean island several days ago and left numerous people homeless.

A statement from Cagliari read: "The club president, players, technical team and all members of Cagliari football club express their sorrow to the families of the victims of the cyclone that hit several areas of Sardinia.

"It's an unacceptable tragedy that has struck hard in our hearts.

"We are proud to know that the whole of Sardinia is united in solidarity.

"We are certain that the Sardinian people will be able to recover from this latest and devastating catastrophe."

A minute's silence will be observed prior to the game, while rivals Roma have announced they will donate part of the proceeds from the match to help victims.

The football match will be a much-needed distraction.

Cagliari coach Diego Lopez hopes his team can reproduce the form that saw them hold Fiorentina and Inter Milan to draws this season when they visit unbeaten Roma.

The islanders have mustered just two points on the road this term.

They halted a three-match losing streak in their last match with a 2-1 win over Torino to advance to 13 points from 12 games.

"We are aware of what we are worth and we have proved against Fiorentina and Inter that we can play against any top team," Lopez said.

The capital club head into the game having lost top spot to Juventus on Sunday, the champions moving two points clear thanks to a 2-0 win at Livorno.

Draws at Torino and against Sassuolo had cut Roma's lead over the Old Lady to just one point heading into the 13th round of matches.

Roma coach Rudi Garcia will be without injured captain Francesco Totti for Monday's game, but welcomes back midfielder Daniele De Rossi after a foot injury.

Cagliari midfielder Radja Nainggolan must serve a one-match ban.