Roma ready to give title race a twist against visiting Juventus

There may still be miles to go in the Scudetto race, but Roma are more than aware that their upcoming clash with league leaders Juventus is their last chance to take points off the in-form Old Lady.

A nine point gap is not insurmountable and bigger leads have been lost but, should Juve triumph in the Stadio Olympico (which they are 5/4 favourites with Coral to do), the Giallrosso could be left behind.

Playing in front of the passionate Roman faithful and with little to lose, the Italian capital club have a unique opportunity to halt their rival’s recent rampant run.

Juve have romped to eight wins in their last 11 outings across all competitions, and are unbeaten so far in 2015.

So, the Giallrossi must go for the jugular, as even a draw (11/5) would do them few favours. Rudi Garcia’s men certainly seem up for the challenge and are 9/4 to win and cut the Old Lady’s lead to six points.

Rome-born skipper and striker Francesco Totti wrote an open letter to fans recently, summing-up the Giallorossi’s predicament. The evergreen attacker stated: “Until a few days ago it seemed as if there was no hope for us in this match. Instead we’re convinced that we can challenge and give meaning to this title race, to re-open a matter that had seemed closed.

“These last few weeks have not been easy and we were upset to have disappointed our fans, but I am confident. I think the worst is behind us.”

Roma have won just two of their last nine Serie A duels which, after a bright start to the season, allowed Juve to steam ahead.

The Turin team have taken all three points from five of their previous six league battles with the Giallorossi, though the Eternal City outfit have a better record of just one loss to Juve in their past three home clashes.