Rastelli wants Cagliari to pressure Roma from the off

Rastelli’s side go into the game full of confidence after a positive run of results – although the boss knows they will have to raise their game to match a Giallorossi side in similarly sterling form.

The Cagliari boss was full of praise for Roma’s recent displays, and knows his side will have to knock the hosts off their rhythm if they are to get a foothold in the match.

“Roma are going through an excellent period of form, probably their best since Luciano Spalletti took over,” Rastelli said. “They are doing well physically, psychologically and tactically.

“Spalletti has been able to find the right solution to make the best of his players’ characteristics. We know what their strengths are and how to limit them.

“We’ll raise the tempo and give Roma no time to think, in order to limit them during their best period of form. We need the perfect performance.

“Roma play in a similar style to Genoa and Atalanta, so they don’t stick to one approach, can start in one way and finish in another.”

Cagliari enter the game in high spirits following last weekend’s 4-1 win over Genoa, although their season so far has been characterised by strong results and performances at home and struggles on their travels.

“Sunday’s victory and the performance confirmed there is a new spirit in the squad,” Rastelli added. “I don’t know how I’m going to send five or six players on to the bench tomorrow, as they all deserve to play. Let us not forget the last six months have been very positive, as we have 23 points and are in a solid position.

“The team had some internal frictions and this caused problems, but winning before the winter break helped us focus on what hadn’t worked and what we needed to do next.

“I have a few doubts on who to start upfront and in defence. We must play with no weight on our shoulders, knowing that when we have the ball, we must try to score a goal. We mustn’t fear making a mistake.”