IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Udinese v Milan: Antonelli not giving up on Europe
23 April 2015
Luca Antonelli believes Milan can still mount a late charge to secure a place in Europe, and hopes Saturday's trip to out-of-sorts Udinese provides the first of seven successive wins to end the season.
Milan are unbeaten in four Serie A matches following their derby stalemate against Inter last weekend, but are down in ninth spot with plenty to do in order to seal a UEFA Europa League berth.
A sixth-placed finish would ensure Filippo Inzaghi's men play in continental competition next season, but Fiorentina - who currently sit sixth - are six points better off than Milan.
Udinese are without a win in six games and have secured just one victory in 11, so defender Antonelli sees the clash at Stadio Friuli as an opportunity to showcase Milan's European credentials.
He told the Milan Channel: "I have watched the match against Inter. I think we did well for the first 60 minutes, but then we dropped off and Inter began to push us back.
"They're a good side. However, we did well to keep a clean sheet even if we could have perhaps done a bit better on the counter-attack. We're happy with the point and we've kept Inter behind us in the league table.
"Let's hope we can restore winning ways against Udinese on Saturday. There are still 21 points up for grabs and we're just six points off a European finish.
"We have to try and win every single match. If the sides above us drop points we have to make sure we take full advantage. We drew on Sunday, but we have to try and win the remaining seven matches.
"We believe we can qualify for Europe as we're training well and working hard every day. We want to get into Europe and we don't want to miss out on this objective."
Antonelli is wary of the threat posed by evergreen Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale, who has scored 16 goals in all competitions, and also spoke of his respect for defender Silvan Widmer.
He said: "Antonio Di Natale is a champion. He's scored many goals and still is scoring in Serie A. Let's hope that on Saturday though he stays quiet! Widmer is another good player but we have to play as a team and if we do that we will win."
Milan are again set to be without striker Stephan El Shaarawy, along with midfield duo Riccardo Montolivo and Michael Essien, but are hopeful that Alex will be available after suffering cramp against Inter.
Udinese midfielder Bruno Fernandes misses out due to suspension.
Inter v Roma: Heavyweights aim to overcome respective struggles
23 April 2015
Roma will aim to return to winning ways at Inter and quell fears that Napoli could pip them to the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot in Serie A.
Rudi Garcia's team repeated a frustratingly familiar theme of their campaign last time out, drawing 1-1 with Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico after German Denis' penalty cancelled out a third-minute spot-kick from Francesco Totti.
It was Roma's second consecutive stalemate and their 10th draw in 15 Serie A games since the turn of the year.
Napoli lie five points back in fourth with seven games remaining and further dropped points this weekend would leave the capital club in an increasingly uncomfortable position having already fallen behind city rivals Lazio on goal difference.
Nevertheless, Roma find themselves in a somewhat enviable situation compared to Inter, who lie 10th in the standings as they play out the final exchanges of a fourth consecutive trophyless season.
Victory is a must for Roberto Mancini's men if they are to stoke their dwindling hopes of UEFA Europa League qualification.
Last weekend's goalless draw against bitter rivals Milan added a further layer of frustration, although the fact it was only their fifth home clean sheet of the Serie A campaign pointed to where the true problems lie for Mancini - a man previously synonymous with turning out miserly defensive units during his coaching career.
Like Mancini, Davide Santon has returned for a second spell with Inter this term and the full-back offered backing to his coach.
"The manager is a lovely man," Santon told SportMediaset. "He talks to the players a lot and he's won things wherever he's been. I think he's the right man to take us forward."
"We're still trying to gel, a lot of new players have come in and the team is completely different to the Inter side I played in four years ago. We're trying to give the team a new identity and the coach is working on that too."
Chile international Gary Medel is unavailable to Mancini due to yellow-card accumulation, although Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic return from disciplinary indiscretions of their own.
Roma defender Davide Astori is suspended, with Kostas Manolas poised to take his place at centre-back.
Midfielder Miralem Pjanic is back in training having missed the Atalanta match and could return to the Roma engine room alongside Daniele De Rossi (back), although Gervinho (hamstring) is set to remain on the sidelines.
Serie A Preview: Inter still fighting for European spot
24 April 2015
Brazilian defender Juan Jesus said Inter have not given up on qualifying for Europe next season, despite the club's Serie A struggles this term.
Inter welcome third-placed Roma to San Siro on Saturday, with the home side languishing in 10th position after 31 rounds.
After last week's goalless Milan derby, Roberto Mancini's men are eight points adrift of Sampdoria, who occupy the fifth and final European position, which guarantees an UEFA Europa League third qualifying round berth.
"We'll fight for it as long as there's a mathematical hope. It's a shame [that we drew with Milan] because Fiorentina lost [to Verona], so it was an opportunity to get closer," Juan told a media conference.
"There are still seven games to go and we want to get as many points as possible.
"We want to take advantage of this because they [Roma] are not what they were at the start of the season. I thought they could aim for the Scudetto."
Roma's grip on third and a place in the UEFA Champions League play-off round has loosened following back-to-back 1-1 draws against Torino and Atalanta.
Rudi Garcia's Roma are only adrift of city rivals and second-placed Lazio on goal difference but have seen their buffer ahead of Napoli reduced to just five points in recent weeks.
And Roma will be watching both teams closely on Sunday.
Lazio, whose eight-match winning streak ended at the hands of league leaders Juventus last week, entertain Chievo at Stadio Olimpico.
Napoli, meanwhile, host Sampdoria in a blockbuster clash a few hours later.
Only three points separate Europa League semi-finalists Napoli and Sampdoria, who were forced to deny reports that coach Sinisa Mihajlovic had already agreed a deal to replace Rafael Benitez in Naples next season.
Juventus - high on confidence after reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2002-03 - are on the road against local rivals Torino on the same day.
In other fixtures on Sunday, Fiorentina, who qualified for the Europa League semis on Thursday, play second-bottom Cagliari.
High-flying Genoa are at home to third-bottom Cesena, cellar-dwelling Parma tackle Palermo, Hellas Verona clash with Sassuolo and Atalanta host fellow strugglers Empoli.
Meanwhile, Udinese and Milan open the round at Stadio Comunale Friuli on Saturday.
Torino v Juventus: Glik aiming to deny runaway leaders and thrill Italy
24 April 2015
Torino captain Kamil Glik believes beating Juventus in Sunday's Turin derby would prompt a "national celebration", as the champions close in on a fourth successive Serie A title.
A win at Estadio Olimpico could see them claim the Scudetto for the 31st time, though such an outcome relies on Roma losing at Inter on Saturday and Chievo beating in-form Lazio a day later in Rome.
With Juve boasting a superior head-to-head record against their nearest rivals, it would not be possible for either to usurp them.
But Torino and Glik are looking to ensure that results elsewhere are rendered irrelevant by claiming a first derby win since April 1995.
And Glik, who has been captain since July 2013, believes that a Torino triumph would be celebrated throughout the country, providing they can buck the trend which has seen them suffer seven consecutive defeats to their illustrious neighbours.
"If we beat Juventus it will be a national celebration," Glik told Tuttosport. "We are looking to prepare for this match like any other and want to give as little thought as possible to the fact that it's a derby.
"It's the most important match of the year for us, but we must let our adrenaline levels rise only a few minutes before the whistle blows for kick off."
Juventus will be re-adjusting their focus back to Serie A duty after successfully edging past Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, securing a semi-final clash with Real Madrid thanks to a 1-0 aggregate win.
Although Massimiliano Allegri's men look destined to seal the title eventually, Juve's supporters will be keen for their side to cement their dominance against their local rivals, who themselves are still hoping to secure Europa League football.
Recent history will not provide much inspiration for Torino, though, having registered just a single goal in 11 meetings across all competitions since 2002.
Juve defender Andrea Barzagli wants his side to show no mercy once again, though he cited ex-Juve forward Fabio Quagliarella as a potential threat.
"What now matters are the next three league matches in which we'll hope to put the title race to bed," he said. "We know how important the derby is and we've already got our thoughts focused on the game.
"It will be a difficult match, not just due to its nature, but also because they're an organised outfit who have a constant threat in Quagliarella up front."
Torino will have to contend with the return of Carlos Tevez, who has scored 18 league goals this season, but missed the trip to Monaco with flu. Patrice Evra (hip) will definitely miss out.
Giampiero Ventura has Gaston Silva (thigh) back into contention following a month out, while Migjen Basha is available after missing the Roma defeat due to suspension.
Pellegrini insists Toure happy at City as Mancini talks up Inter move
24 April 2015
Manuel Pellegrini is adamant that Yaya Toure is happy at Manchester City, but Inter coach Roberto Mancini continues to talk up a potential move to San Siro.
Toure's form for City has come under scrutiny this season, leading to speculation that he could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium.
The Ivory Coast captain said earlier this week that he is "open to new challenges", but Pellegrini - who has insisted Toure is still an important player at City - has not changed his stance on the subject.
"Maybe a new challenge is City also," Pellegrini said. "I'm sure Yaya is very happy here."
But Mancini - who was in charge at City when Toure joined the club in 2010 - has previously claimed that the former Barcelona midfielder wants to join him at Inter.
And the ex-Galatasaray boss appears to be sticking by that statement.
"Yaya Toure is a Manchester City player and they're a massive club," Mancini said.
"I don't know whether there's a chance, but I think that given that Yaya has played in almost every European league, maybe it's important to him to come to Italy. Inter are an important club, not just any old club. He can play anywhere in midfield."
Erick Thohir has talked up the prospect of Inter signing unsettled Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.
Inter coach Mancini was in charge of City when they signed Toure, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium following a season in which his form has been called into question.
Paris Saint-Germain and Inter have both been mooted as potential destinations for the Ivory Coast captain, with Mancini claiming last month that Toure wants to reunite with him at San Siro.
And Inter president Thohir told Corriere della Sera: "We like him and we're sure that Mancini would know how to make the most of his talents.
"He has a contract with City, but in the market you never know what can happen."
Turning his attention to the rumours striker Mauro Icardi could leave Inter to join Premier League leaders Chelsea, Thohir added: "We won't sell Icardi, he's one of our most important players.
"Often money can cause problems, but not for him as he has his head firmly on his shoulders. We are working towards an agreement for a contract renewal, it's important that he stays with us."
Thohir wants to build ´great Inter side´ - Mancini
24 April 2015
Inter boss Roberto Mancini insists president Erick Thohir remains dedicated to building a "great" team at San Siro despite their struggles this season.
Mancini's men sit 10th in Serie A with seven games left and are seven points adrift of sixth, which would be good enough for a place in the UEFA Europa League should Coppa Italia finalists Juventus and Lazio qualify for the UEFA Champions League, with those sides currently occupying the top two spots.
But Mancini is confident in Thohir's ability to improve the squad in the transfer window, telling a press conference prior to Saturday's clash with Roma: "President Thohir is determined to build a great Inter side.
"That's very important. He's always very clear, sometimes deals go through and sometimes they don't."
Focusing on the visit of Roma, Mancini added: "Roma have had a much better season than us, although they've also had some tough spells.
"We've improved a lot, but we've not got the results we wanted. Matches between Inter and Roma in the last ten years have always been important.
"We want to build consistency after our performances against Verona and in the derby. It'll be a tough match against the Giallorossi as they have to fight for second and third spot.
"It's [European qualification] not down to us, there are a lot of teams ahead of us. Whilst there are still points on the table, you have to keep the faith that you can get there. Let's start by winning tomorrow's match, then we'll see."
The chief executive has joined six other key directors from the sports management department in agreeing fresh terms with the Italian champions
Juventus have handed new three-year contracts to the club's sports management department, including chief executive Giuseppe Marotta.
The Italian champions are cruising to a fourth consecutive Serie A crown and have also reached the Coppa Italia final and the last four of the Champions League.
However, their post-season is expected to be a busy one, with Paul Pogba again likely to be linked to a host of European rivals and Carlos Tevez remaining in Boca Juniors' sights.
Marotta himself has already confirmed the club are negotiating with Palermo for striker Paulo Dybala as they look to secure an insurance policy should Tevez leave.
"We are speaking with [Palermo president Maurizio] Zamparini but the negotiations are difficult," he said of the player valued at €50m.
While the corridors of power at Juventus Stadium are sure to be hectic this summer, the men making the decisions can at least relax in the knowledge their own positions appear safe.
Sporting director Fabio Paratici, general secretary Maurizio Lombardo, first team manager Matteo Fabris, vice sporting director Federico Cherubini and youth sector chiefs Stefano Braghin and Gianluca Pessotto have also agreed new deals.
De Laurentiis has 'annoyed' Napoli stars – Benitez
By Robin Bairner
Apr 24, 2015 00:56:00
With his contract due to expire in the summer, the Spaniard's comments slamming the president's punishment as archaic and ineffective are unlikely to be well received
Napoli boss Rafael Benitez saw his side progress to the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday but hit out at club president Aurelio De Laurentiis for commanding the team to go on a training retreat.
A 2-2 home draw against Wolfsburg saw the Serie A side progress 6-3 on aggregate, yet after their Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Lazio, the players were forced to attend the camp by the president.
The Spaniard has now slammed the decision as being old fashioned and out-of-touch with the wishes of his squad.
"It's something that was used in 1970," he told the media. "I am not against a training retreat per se, but I am against it as a punishment that has no effect other than to annoy the players.
"We proved last year that we can win without it."
Ex-Liverpool boss Benitez will have his contract expire in the summer and has hinted that, in order for the club to progress, more investment is needed in the squad.
"We have reached a point where it is difficult to take that extra step up, but it's important for the fans to see their team do well in Europe," he added.
"The supporters want to win titles and play in the Champions League. We're still in the running for a top-three finish in Serie A and now we must concentrate on the game with Sampdoria [on Sunday]."
Napoli currently lie five points shy of third-placed Roma, who occupy the final Champions League berth in Serie A.
The defender has backed his coach to turn things around and feels Yaya Toure would be a great addition for the Nerazzurri
Davide Santon has insisted that Roberto Mancini remains the right man for Inter irrespective of their relatively disappointing performances this campaign.
The 50-year-old replaced Walter Mazzarri as the man in charge at the Giuseppe Meazza side back in November, but he has so far been unable to turn things around with Inter sitting 10th in Serie A with seven games to go.
Nevertheless, Santon - who returned to the club in January after leaving San Siro in 2011 for Newcastle United - is confident Mancini can help Inter return to the top.
"Mancini is a lovely man. He talks to the players a lot and he's won things wherever he's been," the full-back told SportMediaset.
"I think he's the right man to take us forward."
The Italy international also discussed the potential signing of Yaya Toure from Manchester City this summer and believes the Cote d'Ivoire international would be a fine addition for Inter.
"The coach and the club know what they're doing in terms of transfers, we'll see," he added.
"I've played against Yaya Toure and when Manchester City won the title he scored a double at St James' Park.
"He impressed me and he's still a great player with pace and ability that can win games."
Inter coach Roberto Mancini rubbished suggestions attacker Xherdan Shaqiri could already be on his way out of the Serie A club.
Reports suggested the Switzerland international, who signed a four-and-a-half year deal in January, may leave with Inter unlikely to qualify for European competition.
But Mancini said the reports were untrue, and he sees a big future for the 23-year-old at the club.
"This Shaqiri thing is completely made up," he said.
"We bought Shaqiri last January because we think that he can have a big future at Inter. Then during the season, there might be a moment when a player's form drops, and there are other players that in that moment are able to step in. So that's the only situation going on right now.
"Shaqiri has our full confidence. He is our player. Then he has also changed his team, so it's normal that he might struggle at a certain stage.
"It's not that he can join a new club and altogether be the one that single-handedly wins games by himself.
"He will always have a drop in form at a certain stage so in that moment there are other players ready to step in - they are normally there for that reason. So one only plays when he deserves to play."
Mancini believes Shaqiri, who has scored once in 11 league appearances for Inter this season, can play an enormous role for his team in 2015-16.
"Well, we bought Shaqiri because we believe in his qualities," Mancini said.
"Then if Bayern [Munich] decided to sell him, it's because they have so many players that eventually they have reached the conclusion that Shaqiri is a young player and that he needs to play.
"Inter could be the right solution for him and we are happy about this. I agree with the coach [Ottmar Hitzfeld]. I am sure that Shaqiri next season will achieve great things."
Inter coach Roberto Mancini is adamant that Mauro Icardi's attitude will take him to the top following a match-winning display in Saturday's 2-1 defeat of Roma.
The Argentina international saw several chances go begging over the course of the match at San Siro, proving uncharacteristically wasteful as Roma looked set to take a point back to the capital.
But the 22-year-old kept battling away and eventually found the net two minutes from time, smashing home from close range after a neat turn in the area.
Icardi's persistence paid off and Mancini believes that such a trait can take him to the pinnacle of the game.
He told Sky Sport Italia: "He's [Icardi] already a great striker, but he can become a champion.
"He has the opportunities; sometimes he scores and sometimes he does not, but the great quality is that he shakes off those failures and gets right back out there.
"Today he missed a big chance and soon after scored in a similar situation. Not everyone has that mentality."
Radja Nainggolan's goal 27 minutes from time had the match heading towards a stalemate, a result that would have done little to help either side with their end-of-season aspirations.
And Roma coach Rudi Garcia, who is coming under increasing pressure, thinks a draw would have been the deserved outcome before Icardi added to Hernanes' 15th-minute opener.
"I think a draw would have been a fairer result, but we know at this level a game can be decided by a single incident," the Frenchman said.
"I have nothing to complain about when it comes to the attitude and desire to win in the second half from my lads. We do not have time to complain as we have another game on Wednesday [at Sassuolo]."
Serie A Review: Juve made to wait as Parma fight another day
26 April 2015
Juventus were made to wait for their Scudetto crown while Parma gave themselves a stay of execution from their impending relegation in Serie A on Sunday.
Both look all but certain to finish at opposite ends of the table although Juventus failed to move a step closer as they were beaten 2-1 by rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole.
Matteo Darmian and Fabio Quagliarella turned the game on its head after Andrea Pirlo's sublime free-kick opened the scoring, as Torino claimed a first victory over their city foes since 1995.
Victory for Juve, coupled with defeat for Lazio against Chievo would have ensured them a fourth consecutive title, although Alberto Paloschi ensured the spoils were shared at the Stadio Olimpico in a 1-1 draw.
At the bottom, Parma again showcased their intention to keep fighting as Antonio Nocerino's penalty gave them a 1-0 win over Palermo - a result that leaves them still 15 points off safety.
With Cesena going down 3-1 at Genoa, Cagliari took full advantage to move to 18th with a win by the same scoreline against Fiorentina in Gianluca Festa's first game at the helm.
Fans' favourite Festa was appointed as Gianfranco Zola's replacement in midweek and enjoyed a winning start thanks partly to Duje Cop's brace.
Atalanta twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with fellow strugglers Empoli in a result that sees both edge closer to safety.
In the day's final game, Napoli came from a goal to ease past Sampdoria 4-2 and pile the pressure on Roma in the bid for the final UEFA Champions League spot.
Emiliano Viviano allowed Manolo Gabbiadiani's deflected effort to dribble through his legs to equalise Raul Albiol's own-goal with Gonzalo Higuain scoring twice and Lorenzo Insigne netting for the first time since October after a long-term injury.
It leaves Rafael Benitez's men just two points off stuttering Roma in third.
Verona were 3-2 winners at home to Sassuolo despite seeing Rafael sent off after just 18 minutes.
Veteran striker Luca Toni rolled back the years for the hosts with a brace that takes his league tally for the season to 17.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia lamented his team's sloppiness in possession after their 2-1 loss to Inter on Saturday.
Mauro Icardi scored an 88th-minute winner at San Siro as Inter claimed a surprise win, moving into seventh and staying in the hunt to qualify for Europe.
Garcia felt Roma, who are third in Serie A, struggled with their build-up play and missed chances when they presented themselves.
"The strikers mustn't lose confidence, the problem was the way we built the play from the back. We misplaced too many passes between the goalkeeper and defence," he told a media conference.
"It was a good performance up front, especially [Victor] Ibarbo, who was unlucky to hit the post.
"We need to be more clinical in front of goal. We could have scored a second goal and maybe gone on to win it."
Radja Nainggolan had cancelled out Hernanes' 15th-minute opener, but Icardi restored Inter's lead late on.
Garcia urged his men to put the loss behind them with a clash against Sassuolo awaiting them on Wednesday.
"It was a good match tonight and the lads need to keep their heads up," he said.
"We play again in four days. We need to show the same desire and performance as tonight, but we'll need to be more efficient at the back and in front of goal against Sassuolo.
"Inter have good players and there's always a chance they'll score, but we could have done better defensively.
"We've not lost anything, though - we just need to win on Wednesday."
Miralem Pjanic was at a loss to explain another miserable display from Roma as they were beaten 2-1 by Inter in Serie A.
Rudi Garcia's side have fallen off the pace at the top of the table since the turn of the year, claiming just four wins in 16 games, and could find themselves behind three points behind Lazio if the latter beat Chievo on Sunday.
Goals from Hernanes and Mauro Icardi were enough for Inter, leaving Pjanic puzzled at Roma's inability to secure victories in the race for a UEFA Champions League place.
"We can't seem to win anymore," he told Sport Mediaset. "It's difficult to accept and live through this situation.
"We must try to change tack, as there are six games left and we need to get as many points as possible. We had come here to get three points and left empty-handed. That's tough to swallow.
"We have to change our attitude during the week as well as during the games. We must have the desire to take Roma back to the top.
"This squad needs to have real fire to get results, the way we did last season and the start of this campaign.
"There are some things we need to change. As I said before, it's in the attitudes. If we want to get back on top, we cannot accept certain things.
"We must wake up and give much more to win these games."
Juve were own worst enemy in derby defeat – Allegri
26 April 2015
Massimiliano Allegri believes his Juventus side were their own worst enemy as Torino claimed a first Turin derby victory since 1995 on Sunday.
The Serie A pacesetters began the day hoping to wrap up a fourth consecutive Serie A title, but needed to leave Stadio Olimpico with all three points and hope Chievo could beat Lazio in Rome, a game that ended 1-1.
Despite not starting the match particularly well, Juve went ahead in the 35th minute thanks to a delicate Andrea Pirlo free-kick.
But Torino fought back, levelling through Matteo Darmian just before the break and eventually stealing a first derby win in 17 meetings thanks to former Juve man Fabio Quagliarella, leaving Allegri frustrated.
"Once we took the lead we went looking for trouble that could have been avoided," the Juve coach told Sky Sport Italia.
"Torino were sitting back and we just needed to keep the ball; nothing would have happened.
"We allowed their counterattacks and which we shouldn't have, but we also created so many chances and were unfortunate enough to hit the goal frame three times.
"When you play every three days it is important to keep the ball and preserve energy. If you're in the lead and have the ball then the chances create themselves.
"What really irritated me is that we conceded two goals having let in only one in the previous games.
"We did not deserve to lose, but earlier this season we did not play as well and scored in the 91st minute, so football can be unexplainable."
Milan's players slept at their training centre overnight on Saturday and will remain at Milanello indefinitely following their 2-1 defeat to Udinese.
Filippo Inzaghi saw his side dispatched with relative ease at the Friuli - Giampaolo Pazzini's late consolation adding a touch of respectability to the scoreline.
However, former Milan striker Inzaghi was unhappy at the attitude of his side, with the club stating the 'retiro' would go on indefinitely ahead of Wednesday's visit of Genoa.
"The attitude was wrong and so was the way we approached the match," Inzaghi told reporters on Saturday.
"We deserved to lose. There are very few excuses and the only thing to do now is to roll up our sleeves and do well in the last six matches, because we're Milan and our dignity is involved.
"We will stay at Milanello, [Sunday] morning we will have training and then together with the club we will take a decision [over a training retreat].
"I have an idea and I will share it with the club. When you hit the bottom you need to reflect.
"It isn't a retreat of one or two days that changes things. If the attitude is wrong and you are not focused out on the pitch, it is hard to get back into a match.
"With the attitude showed we would have lost to whoever."
Milan sit 10th going into their final six games and appear set to finish outside the European places as well as below rivals Inter.
Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic is desperate for his team to turn their form around and end their three-game winless run.
Rudi Garcia's men suffered a 2-1 loss at Inter last time out, leaving them just two points clear of fourth-placed Napoli.
They travel to Sassuolo on Wednesday needing a turnaround in fortunes.
Juventus are almost certain to win the Serie A title, sitting 14 points clear, but Lazio (59 points), Roma (58) and Napoli (56) are all looking to finish second.
Pjanic urged his team to have belief in themselves as they push to secure a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.
"We have to be aware of what's going on, we mustn't let this opportunity slip away, we have to get Roma as high up the table as possible, starting on Wednesday," the Bosnia-Herzegovina international said.
"We have six matches left to play and we'll give everything to collect as many points as we can and qualify for next season's Champions League.
"We have to believe in ourselves and go out there with a fierce will to win."
Goals have been a problem for Roma, with their 43 the ninth most scored in the league this season.
Juventus go into their clash at home to sixth-placed Fiorentina having lost two of their past three league outings.
But Massimiliano Allegri's men are cruising at the top of the table and meet a team that have suffered three straight losses.
Set for relegation, Parma visit second-placed Lazio, while Napoli will fancy their chances of a fourth straight league win when they take on Empoli on Thursday.
Under-fire coach Filippo Inzaghi's Milan, who are 10th, need a win when they host Genoa.
Milan have been ordered into an indefinite training camp after their 2-1 loss at Udinese, a defeat that stretched their winless league run to three matches.
Cesena and Atalanta meet in a relegation six-pointer.
Atlanta are seven points clear of the relegation zone, while Cesena sit 19th and eight points from safety.
Relegation-threatened Cagliari will be looking for a second straight win when they visit Chievo, while Palermo host Torino.
Udinese and Inter meet on Tuesday and fifth-placed Sampdoria are out to break their four-game winless league run when they host Hellas Verona.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes "only a madman" would take their children to watch football in Italy following crowd incidents during Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Torino.
The Derby della Mole saw the visitors' team bus attacked prior to kick-off.
Flairs and fireworks were also thrown during the game as Italian football was again marred by off-field incidents.
It comes weeks after Roma were ordered to close a section of their stadium due to offensive banners directed at the mother of a Napoli fan who died last year.
Allegri told reporters: "I'm sorry [about what happened]. On the pitch we had a match that was fair, manly and compelling.
"This ought to be important to everyone involved in sports. Unfortunately in Italy we are still behind, and until the responsible parties start to take measures this is how it will be.
"That goes for football but also the country as a whole. We need to improve to bring people back to the stadium and kids first of all.
"Only a madman would bring them along with everything that happens today."
Inter coach Roberto Mancini believes Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski must be given time to reach their full potential with the club.
Shaqiri and Podolski joined Inter in January, the former making a permanent switch from Bayern Munich and Germany striker Podolski arriving on loan from Arsenal.
However, the pair have managed just one goal between them in Serie A and been left out of the starting line-up in recent weeks.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Mancini said: "In Italy we tend to be impatient. Shaqiri needs time.
"The same goes for Podolski; he's a great guy and is training well."
In the absence of Shaqiri - the subject of transfer speculation that was rubbished by Mancini last week - and Podolski, Hernanes has impressed in a free role behind the strikers.
Mancini indicated the Brazilian will start again in Tuesday's clash with Udinese at Stadio Friuli.
"Hernanes deserves to play," added the former Manchester City boss.
"I believe his best position is behind the strikers. He's performing well."
Mancini is confident Inter, who beat Roma 2-1 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run to four matches, are heading in the right direction after struggling for consistency this season.
"We've started to become a team in recent times," he explained.
"Things come together when you have a team that plays football and wins games even when you make changes.
"We mustn't take Udinese for granted. We'll need to perform well to win the match. Either way, the team has improved."
