Montella wary of ´fired up´ Catania

Roma coach Vincenzo Montella is expecting a tough game when his team take on Catania on Sunday.

Roma are still chasing a Champions League berth next season, but will need to take maximum points in Sicily against 13th-placed Catania if they are to keep their hopes alive.

Catania have won 10 of their 18 home games this season and Montella knows his team will need to be at their best.

“I expect Catania to be fired up and eager to celebrate in a packed stadium,” he said.

“They want to end the season on a high and I, as coach and a former player, can tell you a full stadium makes a big difference.”

Roma currently sit in sixth place on the Serie A table, but are just three points behind fierce rival Lazio who currently hold fourth position and the final Champions League qualification place.

Sandwiched in between the two Rome sides is fifth-placed Udinese, who also face a tricky away trip to Chievo Verona on Sunday.

While Montella will be hoping Chievo Verona can cause an upset against Udinese, he is concentrating on getting three points at Catania.

“We are gambling with a great deal tomorrow. Udinese are in a similar situation. We must be motivated and have self-confidence to face Catania in the best possible way, talking about the present rather than the future,” Montella said.

Key duo Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta are suspended and will miss Roma’s match against Catania.