View from the Opposition: Spezia

The game at the Stadio Alberto Picco gets underway at 20:45 CEST.

The first question is about Spezia's season as a whole: can you give a verdict?

"Better than amazing. They won the Serie B play-off in August and had five weeks to get ready for the new season in Serie A. A seemingly impossible task. Spezia seemed to be considered the runt of the litter, the first team that would go down, but instead they have amazed everyone.

"Their strength has come from the collective spirit and Vincenzo Italiano, who has understand how to maintain and continue the structure and cohesion he has given them since arriving - all while adding new elements and making use of a big squad to rotate cleverly."

What sort of game are you expecting on Sunday?

"Spezia do not have anything more to prove in the league this season and they will be playing without pressure on their backs. Of course they will want to finish off the campaign with a positive result.

"On the other side, however, Roma will be trying to clinch seventh position and the players will want to show what they can offer to the new coach Jose Mourinho."

Will Spezia play a 4-3-3 again?

"Absolutely. The 4-3-3 is fundamental at this point, it's basically a cornerstone philosophy for both the club and for Italiano. But I think the coach might give a chance to a few of the younger players that he might be thinking about giving a bigger role next season."

Which players have been the most important for Spezia this season?

"In third spot I would put Martin Erlic: he basically signed for almost nothing, he's scored three goals from defence, he's made a big impact despite being a new face this season. After that there is Emmanuel Gyasi, who may not have played much recently but has been key throughout much of the season.

"But I would rank Giulio Maggiore and Matteo Ricci at the top: two stalwarts and yet two revelations at the same time. Maggiore, who is still very young, has come through the Spezia academy and now puts the team on his back at times. Ricci, meanwhile, has become one of Italiano's most trusted players."

What about the top three for Roma this season, in your opinion?

"From first to third: Dzeko, Pellegrini and Mancini."

What's your prediction for Sunday?

"On one side you will have a team that is playing free from pressure or expectation. On the other, a side that needs to impress the watching Mourinho. I would expect a draw. If I have to give a scoreline, I think I'd say 1-1."