Struggling Roman clubs meet Milanese might

By Mark Meadows

MILAN (Reuters) - Tensions are rising at AS Roma and city rivals Lazio after difficult starts to the season, which are about to become even tougher with weekend matches against Inter and AC Milan.

Roma, who changed coach just two games in when Claudio Ranieri replaced Luciano Spalletti, have lurched from one mini-crisis to another with rumours again growing that the owner will be forced into selling the club.

President Rosella Sensi has said she will not quit despite supporter unrest and pressure from banks, but with little money available for January reinforcements the chances of a sale have increased after two failed takeover bids in two years.

On the field, the injury problems of captain Francesco Totti have hampered their progress and Sunday's game at leaders Inter (1945 GMT) will remind Roma fans just how far they have fallen.

Two seasons ago they almost snatched the title from Inter on the final day but last term they were sixth and are now 14th.

"Roma will improve, we will cancel out the boos of the supporters," midfielder Daniele De Rossi told reporters.

The form of Inter makes the trip from the capital to Italy's second city even trickier than usual.

Jose Mourinho's side are seven points clear already and will be even more pumped up after Wednesday's 2-1 comeback win over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.