AS Roma vs Palermo preview - Roma prepare for final-day party

Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA

Roma are in celebratory mood heading into their final game of the season against Palermo on Sunday with second place and a spot in next season's Champions League already in the bag.

The Giallorossi beat city rivals Lazio 2-1 in Rome on Monday to seal a runners-up finish to Juventus in Serie A and direct qualification for next season's top European competition.

"It was not an easy game, but we did what we said we would do," Roma coach Rudi Garcia said to the Italian press. "I compliment my players, they followed my game plan to perfection.

"Our aim this season was to qualify directly to the Champions League and we have done that.

"It's a great objective and it's fantastic that we don't even need the final game to achieve our aim.

"Now we just want to celebrate with our fans.

"Although Lazio are very good, we are the strongest team in the city and the strongest team in Italy behind Juventus, who in my view are right now beyond reach."

Roma, who have won four of their last five leagues game, are 16 points adrift of Serie A champions Juve and four points clear of third-place Lazio.

Palermo, meanwhile, are safe and also want to finish their season on a high.

The Sicilian outfit, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight last season, has collected 46 points in 37 games.

Palermo will be eager to make amends for last weekend's 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina, their 13th loss of the campaign, and hand coach Giuseppe Iachini victory in what will be his 100th Serie A game.

The visitors held Roma to a 1-1 draw earlier this season and will be bolstered by the return of Bulgarian striker Ivaylo Chochev from suspension.

The Giallorossi are without Greek defender Vassilis Torosidis, who must serve a one-match ban.