Roma's encounter against Bologna in Serie A at the weekend was canceled after just 17 minutes because of snow, meaning that heading into tonight's encounter against relegation-candidates Brescia the Giallorossi will have had more rest than the other Scudetto challengers.
Not that it is an exceptionally good thing given that at the moment Roma have fallen ten points behind leaders Milan, and even with a game in hand they will be under pressure. Placed fifth in Serie A with 38 points from 21 matches, the Lupi are very much in the race for the championship but they will have to carry on winning.
And indeed, Roma are winning, having defeated Catania, Cesena and Cagliari in the league last month to collect nine points out of a possible 12 and also beat Lazio and Juventus in successive rounds to reach the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. The Maggica will aspire to carry on that positive run in February too.
Back To The Start
The weekend's 3-0 defeat to Chievo at home was Brescia's seventh defeat in eight league fixtures and saw the club sack their coach Mario Beretta. Beretta was appointed as the Rondinelle tactician only in December but with the team failing to inspire themselves or any hope of survival they thought that it would be best to change coach.
Interestingly, club chairman Luigi Corioni decided to reinstate Giuseppe Iachini, the man Beretta had replaced. Iachini led the Biancoazzurri to Serie A promotion last summer in his first season with the club and despite being given the boot in December he is looking forward to working with enthusiasm and hope again.
"I am saddened for Beretta but football is like this," said Iachini. "I return with enthusiasm and willingness to do well.
"The team is in a difficult situation but I hope I can help my players rediscover the spirit that saw us gain promotion to the top flight last summer. I believe we have the quality to defend our Serie A status.''
Brescia, though, have their work cut out as they are one of the worst away teams, having lost nine of the 11 league fixtures on the road this season, and in Roma will face the only Italian top flight team yet to be beaten at home.
TEAM NEWS
Roma
Pizarro, Brighi and Adriano are injured and will miss the match. Totti, Vucinic and Borriello all are expected to line up in attack in a 4-3-3 formation.
Brescia
Dallamano and Cordova are out injured for the trip to Rome. Kone is suspended.
Prediction
A win for Roma is almost guaranteed. The former Italian champions should garner the three points comfortably.
Roma 3-0 Brescia 
