It's amazing what a six weeks can do for a team's fortunes, and despite playing in different tiers of Italian football, both Roma and their upcoming opponents Spezia have had their share of difficulties in their respective campaigs.
Roma
Back in Round 10, the Giallorossi were enjoying a massive gap over struggling Juventus and fans were still smiling about the good performance their team put in in round two, when the Lupi defeated la Vecchia Signora 2-1.
Flashforward to round 16, and it's now the Bianconeri who have not just caught up to Roma, but have even overtaken them to snatch fourth place courtesy of six straight wins on the trot. Meanwhile, Rudi Garcia's men are still searching for their first win since beating Lazio in the Derby della Capitale back on the 8th of November. And in the Champions League, they have been as equally disappointing, barely scraping through with a poor six points. 16 goals conceded were just as poor as Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv - who did not qualify from their group. In fact, only Swedish side Malmo fared worse, shipping a whopping 21, and like Maccabi, they too, finished dead last in their quartet.
Last season saw Roma get some kind of reprive as they were consigned to the Europa League - where they failed to make the grade - but this time around there will be no emergency parachute as they are now stuck with dealing with Real Madrid in the round of 16. The Spanish side have not looked unbeatable, especially under the guidance of Rafa Benitez, so anything indeed is possible, but with that game not until next year, Garcia will be focused on avoiding embarrassment in the Coppa Italia against Spezia at the Stadio Olimpico.
Whilst not underestimating his opponents, who feature in Serie B, expect the French tactician to nonetheless name a squad featuring some of the team's players who are seeking more game time more season. This means that the likes of Morgan De Sanctis, Vasilis Torosidis, William Vainqueur, and Norbert Gyomber could all be given chances to feature in the starting XI.
Spezia
Meanwhile, visitors Spezia also endured a difficult six weeks earlier this campaign, but unlike Roma, the Aquilotti have turned things around this month. Starting with a win over fellow Serie B side Salerntina in Coppa Italia action on December first and ending with a 2-1 victory against Latina, the visitors have won three and drawn one of their four games across all competitions. They currently sit in 11th place in Italian football's second tier with 24 points, but based on form alone, they have outshined their more esteemed counterparts this month.
However, obviously given the gulf in class between the two sides, Spezia are the underdogs in this round of 16 game, regardless of Roma's indifferent form as of late. Still, a shock is not outside the realm of possibility. Yesterday, fellow Serie A side Genoa were handed a rude awakening as they were beaten 2-1 by Lega Pro outft Alessandria. Whilst the Grifone have fared quite poorly this season - sitting just above the drop zone with 16 points - it still should be a warning for any top flight side not to take their lower-tier opponents too lightly.
Which channel is broadcasting Roma vs Spezia on TV or Online?
If you're in Rome, then you may be heading to the Stadio Olimpico to watch the Lupi take on Spezia for the first time in the Coppa Italia later today. If not, and you are based elsewhere in Italy, you will be able to catch the game on TV at 14.30 CET on RAI Due.
For those who live elsewhere, please check out our special Roma vs. Spezia broadcast page for specific viewing options and times for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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