Roma wary of Ibrahimovic

Roma coach Vincenzo Montella has singled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the biggest threat ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with table-topping AC Milan.

The Swedish striker returns from a three-match suspension for the seven-time European champions after being handed a red card in the clash with Fiorentina.

Former Roma striker Montella heaped praise on Ibrahimovic – the subject of vast unfair criticism of his goal-laden spell at Barcelona last season – who has dispatched 14 goals since his loan move to the Milanese side.

“You don’t win the Scudetto by chance and he’s about to win his eighth title in a row because he is someone who makes the difference,” Montella said.

“We won’t place a cage around him though because we’ll look to find the right balance to win the game.”

Roma, who lie sixth which carries a place in the Europa League, must grab a win if they are to keep their hopes of attaining a place in next season’s Champions League alive.

“I have always believed that we could qualify for the Champions League and I’m even more certain of the fact now in all honesty,” Montella said.

“We have to give our best on a physical, technical and psychological level because we want to win and we must win against Milan.”

“There is no one side who is favoured in the race for fourth. Those in front are advantaged at the moment, but those who are behind have a chance too.”