Roma

Roma hailed the performance of  the Roma captain who was instrumental in the Giallorossi’s crucial 2-1 victory over Genoa at the weekend.

Totti has not scored since May, a run of 10 matches spanning the close season, and some critics had even suggested he may have been unhappy with his role in the line-up.

But, following his display against Genoa, Ranieri again refuted rumours concerning the pair’s apparently deteriorating relationship.

“He always trains to the limit. He’s missing a goal… but I’m very happy with him,” said the ex-Chelsea coach.

“I read that Totti was against me. You can’t write anything more absurd.

“I have a loyal relationship with all the players, particularly with my captain, who has spent his life here and who has suffered a thousand wrongs for his team.

“As a Roman and a Romanista (Roma fan), I don’t understand it.”

Ranieri is aware of the difficulty his side may face against Basel, who stuned the Serie A side 2-0 in last season’s Europa League clash at St Jakob Park (1/6 Roma – Group E To Qualify).

“They are a side that defend well, and are good on the counter-attack – they came close to getting a result against Bayern Munich,” he said.

“We know their strong and weak points, but I’d prefer to go into those with my players, not here.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Wins for both Roma and Inter Milan on Sunday means the Scudetto will have to be won on the last day of the season.

Inter Milan 4 – Chievo 3

The Serie A leaders conceded a goal after just 12 minutes at home to Chievo when a right wing cross was pushed into his own net by Thiago Motta. Jose Mourinho’s side were behind for no more than a minute when an Eto’o pass into the Chievo box was turned into an own goal by Chievo player Andrea Mantovani.

Just after 30 minutes Inter took the lead, with Esteban Cambiasso scoring. Inter extended their lead in the 39th minute when Diego Milito netted his 21st goal in the league with a chip from 15-yards out. The final result seemed to be a foregone conclusion at the start of the second half after Maicon’s ball over the top was collected by Mario Balotelli who led Inter into a 4-1 lead.

But Chievo managed to put themselves back in the running soon after when Pablo Granoche was able to put one past Julio Cesar. Amazingly Chievo scored again to make the score 4-3 when Zanetti played ball across the backline and Sergio Pellisier nipped in and scored a third for the visitors.

Roma 2 – Cagliari 1

Roma, needed to win to keep alive any chances of claiming the Scudetto, and missed numerous early chances to take the lead against Cagliari, and with under 20 minutes to go the Giallorossi’s were punished when Andrea Lazzari brought home a beauty from a free-kick.

Roma’s woes looked certain after PartyPoker.it ambassador Francesco Totti lifted a chip over the bar from mere yards out, but only minutes later Totti was able to score the leveller and restore hope once again for Raneri’s men. Roma then took the lead to breathe life back into the race for the title, Riise’s cross was cut short by a stray hand and Francesco Totti converted the critical second goal.

This means if Inter Milan win their final game of the season, away to relegated Siena, they will retain the Scudetto – and complete the second part of an historic treble which is looking more and more likely.

Related posts:

1. Serie A Predictions: Home Wins For Inter And Roma
2. Roma face tough Sampdoria Serie A Title Test
3. Roma Must Beat Parma to Keep Scuddeto Dream Alive

ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.

The 33-year-old has not played for the Azzurri since the 2006 World Cup and announced his international retirement in 2007. Then coach Roberto Donadoni tried to persuade the Rome legend to come out of retirement for the Euro 2008 qualifiers but Totti refused, preferring to concentrate on his club career in the Italian capital.

Marcello Lippi is now in charge of the Italian side and will announce his 30-man preliminary squad on Tuesday with rumours that Totti could be set to make himself available for selection.

However reports in the Italian media suggest that Lippi will not go back to the past and give Totti a chance to add to the 58 caps he has won during his illustrious career and will overlook the Roma legend.

Ranieri made his feeling clear on the issue, saying: “Selfishly I am happy,” as the former Chelsea boss wants his man fit and ready for the domestic season in August, without the possibility of picking up an injury while on World Cup duty this summer.

Italy are the defending World Cup champions but Spain are the favourites at 4-1 to lift the trophy for the first time with Brazil second favourites at 5-1.

England are priced at 11-2, with Argentina on offer at 13-2 to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and the Dutch a 12-1 chance to take the trophy.

Italy are in Group F in South Africa along with Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand and are 1-14 favourites to come out of the group and make it through to the knock-out phase of the world’s greatest football tournament.

Paraguay are priced at 8-15 to qualify with Slovakia on offer at 11-8 and the Kiwis priced at 8-1 to make it to the last 16.

Another market to watch out for is the ’stage of elimination’ with Italy 9-4 to exit the competition at the last-16 stage and 5-2 to make a quarter-final departure.

The Azzurri are priced at 7-2 to be a losing semi-finalist and 7-1 to suffer the heartbreak of losing in the final.

The Italians are strong favourites to make it out of their group but a 13-2 price has been quoted for Italy to be eliminated from the event at the group stage.

ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.