Mellberg's march on Rome

Mellberg's march on Rome
Tuesday 17 March, 2009

Olof Mellberg warns Juventus “must win at Roma” to maintain the seven-point gap from Serie A leaders Inter.

This weekend looks set to favour the Nerazzurri, who welcome relegation strugglers Reggina to San Siro while Juve visit the Olimpico.

“Even if we are facing a very strong side and it will be a difficult game, we cannot afford any slip-ups,” said the defender.

“It is likely Inter will beat Reggina on home turf and so we must win as well to maintain the gap.”

Both sides are struggling with an injury crisis going into this clash, but Mellberg assures it has become second nature to them.

“Absences won’t be decisive for either team. For example, we had many players injured during October, November and December, but we still won almost every match. Now we must do the same.”

Both Juve and Roma were also recently eliminated from the Champions League to late goals, or in the Giallorossi’s case a sudden death penalty shoot-out.

The Bianconeri seem to have bounced back well from that exit by thrashing Bologna 4-1, even though they were trailing at half-time.

“We conceded a goal that is reminiscent of others we have let in, but it must also be noted that aside from that one incident, we did not really come under pressure,” continued Mellberg.

“In previous games with Torino, Napoli and Chelsea we were very careful in defence and I think that is an aspect that bears underlining.”

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