Roma and Inter Milan vie for top spot in Serie A

After five games, the two teams sit on 11 points, with Roma top thanks to a superior goal difference.

 Inter drew level with Roma in midweek as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice in a 3-0 crushing of Sampdoria.

 Roma drew 2-2 at Fiorentina, the same scoreline they had to settle for at home to Juventus last weekend, but were quite convincing despite the absence of captain Francesco Totti and Simone Perrotta.

 Inter coach Roberto Mancini also lamented the absence of defenders Marco Materazzi, Douglas Maicon and Cristian Chivu as well as Patrick Vieira in midfield, but was pleased after a series of dismal showings.

 "Tonight we were almost perfect," he said. "But against Roma it might not be enough. Against such a strong and fast team we can't make a single mistake. They will not forgive it."

   Mancini's Roma counterpart Luciano Spalletti said he is sure to have Totti back from a muscular injury, adding that Roma "go into the game with Inter in good form, but it is not a match for the title, considering the balance at the top."

   Just one point behind the leaders lie Juventus, also injury plagued, particularly in defence, but boasting the best attack on 14 goals.

 An city derby with Torino awaits the Old Lady late Sunday, after promoted Napoli and Palermo, also on 10 points, play respective games at home to Genoa and away to Empoli.

 Fiorentina trail on nine points ahead of a Tuscany derby with Livorno late Saturday. On Sunday, Sampdoria welcome nine-point Atalanta, when AC Milan welcome Catania after losing 2-1 at Palermo.

 The European champions in mid-week squandered countless scoring chances on the way to  their first defeat after three dismal draws for a meagre six-point tally.

 Also on Sunday, Udinese take on Parma, Cagliari host Siena and Reggina, lying last on two points with Empoli and Livorno, welcome Lazio in Reggio Calabria.

DPA