Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia says his team will not be concerning themselves with the Scudetto race when they line up against league leaders Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow night.
Nine points behind the Bianconeri and without a Serie A win at home since Inter were dispatched 4-2 on 30 November, Roma approach the game looking to treat their supporters to an overdue victory in the capital.
And that’s precisely all Garcia has in his sights on Monday.
Previewing the big match with the media, the French coach began: “It’s an important game. Now second place depends exclusively on us, not first. Keeping hold of it, however, is the best way to attack the top of the league.
“Having said that, we must focus solely on winning the game, not the Scudetto. We are nine points adrift and claiming all three tomorrow is all that matters to me.”
Considering the encounter as a spectacle, Garcia believes the Bianconeri’s attacking disposition and his team’s will to win will make for an absorbing affair tomorrow night.
He also echoed Allegri’s earlier thoughts by expressing his desire for the game to be enjoyed in the right spirit by both sets of players and supporters.
“Their inclination is to try and come out on top wherever they play. But we also want to come away with a result and this is why I think we’ll see an entertaining game. I hope there’s also fair play between both sides and a great atmosphere at the stadium.”
The secret to overcoming the reigning champions, according to Garcia, lies in the team’s belief, with the Frenchman calling on his men to take heart from the professional display shown in Thursday’s 2-1 away victory over Feyenoord.
“We must make as few errors as possible, we’re up against the league leaders. We need to believe in our abilities as we did in Holland, in order to get back to winning ways in Serie A and at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We’re currently drawing too many games and we know tomorrow will be difficult, but the lads will battle all the way.”