Roma prepare to face another hurdle in the race for a Champions League spot, as the Giallorossi sit just one point behind the other two main contenders Milan and Atalanta. Claudio Ranieri's side will host Cagliari in the Stadio Olimpico, with the Sardinians almost ceratin of being in Serie A next season. Roma's coach discussed the opponents and his future in the pre-match press conference: "You always have to respect the opposition. The lads are working hard in the fight for fourth. We'd be stupid to underestimate the game. Cagliari never give up, they're having a strong finish to the campaign. We need to be intelligent and focused.", Ranieri said.
"My future? I've never offered myself to a club in my career, and I didn't do it with Roma neither. I am Roma's coach untile the end of the season, after that God will see and provide. I came here when the team was struggling and, being a Roma fan, I accepted the offer without conditions", Ranieri said about his future. The coach then discussed some of the players that could be part of the lineup to face Cagliari: "El Shaarawy is a very attentive player. He works hard in attack and in defence. He's making a big contribution this term. Cengiz has been training very well. The subsitution against Inter was due to his fitness but also for tactical reasons. I am expecting a lot from him over the next few weeks. Dzeko better as a lone striker? He loves getting involved in the build-up. At San Siro he played the way that comes naturally - dropping deep to help. He can play with another man upfront, but he has to understand when he has to make the runs. About Schick, I am certain that he is an outstanding player, but here are some players that mature later than othes. He has everything required to be a top player "
