Totti set to return for Inter showdown

Roma have fared well without their captain, who has been dogged by a knee problem for much of the year, extending their unbeaten league run to 20 matches with a 2-0 win at Bologna on Wednesday to draw level on points with second-placed AC Milan.

Inter thumped bottom side Livorno 3-0 to pull four points clear after Milan lost 1-0 at Parma but Roma will have the chance to reduce the lead to a point at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.

After Totti's return to full training, they hope the striker can provide the ammunition for a surprise title win for a side that was in turmoil at the start of the season when coach Luciano Spalletti quit to be replaced by Claudio Ranieri.

"Having the captain back will be a major advantage for us," Brazil defender Juan, who should be in the side this weekend after being suspended against Bologna, told reporters.

"Let's hope he'll soon be back to his usual standard. Inter will be tired as they are playing a lot and they are engaged on various fronts (Serie A, Champions League and Italian Cup).

"(AC) Milan are without (injured defender Alessandro) Nesta and (forward Alexandre) Pato, play,ers who you miss."

Milan will also be without suspended Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo, who was sent off at the end of a toothless display at Parma, when they meet Lazio at home on Sunday.

The Rome side have eased their relegation worries with two consecutive wins, although they are only four points above the drop zone.

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