Roma, Lazio set to face tough test as clash against top dogs looms

Both Rome clubs will test their Serie A ambitions this weekend against Italian League leaders Inter Milan and Juventus before next week’s Champions League action.

AS Roma kick off against Inter at the San Siro on Friday challenging Antonio Conte’s side who are riding high after knocking Juventus off top spot last week.

Champions Juventus remain unbeaten this season, but are now one point behind Inter before Maurizo Sarri’s side head south to take on in-form Lazio in the Stadio Olimpico, days before travelling to Bayer Leverkusen.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Serie A action after missing out on the Ballon d’Or, settling instead for the Italian Serie A ‘Player of the Year’ award.

Lazio are third -- seven points behind Inter -- and are unbeaten in the Stadio Olimpico this season, second only to Juventus for points accumulated on their home turf.

Roma are a further two points behind their city rivals and equal on points with fourth-placed Cagliari, who travel to Sassuolo on Saturday.

“They are a top side, first in the league, and very physical,” said Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout.

“Lautaro Martinez and (Romelu) Lukaku are difficult for any defence to contain, so we’ll need to put in a top performance to get a positive result.”

Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi warned that his side are gaining momentum and, powered by Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile, the club have scored 21 goals at home in seven games.

“We’ll give everything against Juve,” said Inzahgi, whose side have lost just twice in the league this season, and not since September 25 against Inter in the San Siro.

“An ambitious team must always look forward never backwards, without setting limits.”

Roma, a further two points behind, have also lost just two games this season, as they push for a return to the Champions League.

Agencies