Vucinic set to lead Roma in city derby against Lazio

 The Montenegro striker scored the winner Tuesday in a 2-1 Champions League victory against Sporting Lisbon and hit again Sunday at AC Milan to seal a 1-0 win that pushed Roma in second place behind Inter Milan.

 "I have already scored three goals against Lazio," Vucinic said. "Now I have a light muscular pain and will have a test (Monday), but, against Lazio, I'd play even on one leg."

   Vucinic, who turns 25 in January, started the season as reserve of Golden Boot winner Francesco Totti, but his presence Wednesday at the Stadio Olimpico may be a must as the Roma captain tries to recover from a foot injury.

 And coach Luciano Spalletti said in the future he could reconsider his traditional scheme with Totti as single striker, asking the captain to play behind Vucinic.

 The week was glum for Lazio, with a 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen followed by a 1-0 home crashing against Udinese, which held the Romans rooted on 10 points from nine games alongside Milan.

 "We struggle to create our game," said Lazio striker Tommaso Rocchi, on zero goals in his last six games. "It is a difficult moment. We can and we must do better, beginning with the derby."

   Whatever the result of the derby, 21-point title holders Inter have good chances to keep Roma three points adrift as they welcome promoted Genoa at the Giuseppe Meazza.

 Third-place Juventus are still brooding over the two controversial spot kicks that resulted in a 3-1 defeat at Napoli, but look to recover through a seemingly easy home affair against Empoli, while Fiorentina, also third on 17 points welcome Napoli.

 Udinese trail on 15 points when they take on Torino, lying on 11 points next to Sampdoria, who welcome beleaguered European Champions Milan.

 Atalanta at the weekend won 1-0 at Empoli and host Cagliari in Bergamo, while Palermo, who held Inter to a scoreless draw, entertain Parma.

 Bottom side Livorno visit second-last Reggina, while Siena are third-from last before hosting Catania, who lie safely on 13 points.

DPA