Weakened Roma to Bench Montella

Roma could be without Cafu, Francesco Totti and Vincenzo Montella for tonight's Champions League game against Liverpool, according to reports from Italy.

Cafu, the Brazilian wingback, is definitely out through suspension, while Totti is facing a late fitness test on a muscular problem. However the likely exclusion of Montella - who has scored six goals against Lazio and Atalanta - appears to be entirely tactical, with Roma coach Fabio Capello deciding to go with out-of-form Gabriel Batistuta instead.

According to the Italian press, Capello will employ a 3-5-1-1 formation, with Batistuta as the lone target man in front of Totti or Antonio Cassano, while Marco Delvecchio will play on the left side of midfield. Montella, it seems, will be rested for Sunday's top-of-the-table meeting against Internazionale.

Totti, meanwhile, is desperate to be fit for tonight's match.

"This is a temple of world football and I am dreaming of scoring a goal here," he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

By Guardian Unlimited © Copyright Guardian Newspapers 2008
Published: 5/12/2008
 
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