Rome (dpa) - Leaders Juventus and seventh-placed Napoli look to resume winning in Serie A outings they play Thursday to accommodate their Super Cup match set for Monday.
Juve visit at Cagliari after draws against Fiorentina and Sampdoria, plus one in the Champions League, that saw the Bianconeri score just a single goal - on Sunday against Samp.
With 31 goals netted, Juve have the best attack despite
their recent scoring issues and lead on 36 points from 15 games, with Roma now on 35.
"We've played against important sides who are in form," said recovering defender Andrea Barzagli. "The most important thing, however, is to be out on top. There is still a long way to go and we will need to maintain our usual focus."
Barzagli, a first-teamer as Juve won the last three titles has yet to appear this season. The 2006 world champion, however, has watched his team concede only six goals.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri was banned after insulting game officials last weekend and looks set to field league top scorer Carlos Tevez, on nine goals, up front with Fernando Llorente.
Napoli, meanwhile, ended a run of three draws in their last outing, crashing 2-0 at AC Milan to fall behind the Rossoneri on goal difference, level on 24 points.
An anticipated Christmas dinner on Monday gave coach Rafael Benitez an opportunity to charge his team ahead of the last two games before a two-week New Year break.
"I am certain that from now onward we will grow and you will show all the things you can do on the pitch, and the worth you have already demonstrated in these months together," Benitez is quoted as telling his players.
Napoli host Parma, last on six points, who also seek a change of pace after welcoming new president Pietro Doca, a jewellery dealer, who joined this week as the representative of Russian and Cypriot investors.
Remaining action sees Sassuolo and Cesena meet Saturday ahead of the big match between Roma and Milan.
Roma's French coach Rudi Garcia is banned for two games over his clash with a steward in Genoa, where the Giallorossi won 1-0 to tally their fourth win from five unbeaten outings.
Milan crashed 1-0 in Genoa two weekends ago, but showed improvements against Napoli, particularly in a defence that conceded 18 goals.
"Let's hope this is a turning point," said French defender Philippe Mexes, who played seven seasons at Roma until he moved to Milan in 2011.
"Still, we have done nothing special. We are on the right path, but we must try to be more consistent and get better results. Rome is in my heart, but we want to tackle the Giallorossi with the same determination we had against Napoli and get as many points as possible."
Lazio, Sampdoria and Genoa are level on 26 points, two clear of Milan and Napoli, in the chase for the third Champions League berth.
On Sunday, Lazio play a late match at Inter Milan, Samp welcome Udinese and Genoa are at Torino. Verona v Chievo, Fiorentina v Empoli and Atalanta v Palermo complete the last round of 2014.
Juve visit at Cagliari after draws against Fiorentina and Sampdoria, plus one in the Champions League, that saw the Bianconeri score just a single goal - on Sunday against Samp.
With 31 goals netted, Juve have the best attack despite
their recent scoring issues and lead on 36 points from 15 games, with Roma now on 35.
"We've played against important sides who are in form," said recovering defender Andrea Barzagli. "The most important thing, however, is to be out on top. There is still a long way to go and we will need to maintain our usual focus."
Barzagli, a first-teamer as Juve won the last three titles has yet to appear this season. The 2006 world champion, however, has watched his team concede only six goals.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri was banned after insulting game officials last weekend and looks set to field league top scorer Carlos Tevez, on nine goals, up front with Fernando Llorente.
Napoli, meanwhile, ended a run of three draws in their last outing, crashing 2-0 at AC Milan to fall behind the Rossoneri on goal difference, level on 24 points.
An anticipated Christmas dinner on Monday gave coach Rafael Benitez an opportunity to charge his team ahead of the last two games before a two-week New Year break.
"I am certain that from now onward we will grow and you will show all the things you can do on the pitch, and the worth you have already demonstrated in these months together," Benitez is quoted as telling his players.
Napoli host Parma, last on six points, who also seek a change of pace after welcoming new president Pietro Doca, a jewellery dealer, who joined this week as the representative of Russian and Cypriot investors.
Remaining action sees Sassuolo and Cesena meet Saturday ahead of the big match between Roma and Milan.
Roma's French coach Rudi Garcia is banned for two games over his clash with a steward in Genoa, where the Giallorossi won 1-0 to tally their fourth win from five unbeaten outings.
Milan crashed 1-0 in Genoa two weekends ago, but showed improvements against Napoli, particularly in a defence that conceded 18 goals.
"Let's hope this is a turning point," said French defender Philippe Mexes, who played seven seasons at Roma until he moved to Milan in 2011.
"Still, we have done nothing special. We are on the right path, but we must try to be more consistent and get better results. Rome is in my heart, but we want to tackle the Giallorossi with the same determination we had against Napoli and get as many points as possible."
Lazio, Sampdoria and Genoa are level on 26 points, two clear of Milan and Napoli, in the chase for the third Champions League berth.
On Sunday, Lazio play a late match at Inter Milan, Samp welcome Udinese and Genoa are at Torino. Verona v Chievo, Fiorentina v Empoli and Atalanta v Palermo complete the last round of 2014.
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