Juventus, Capello set for torrid time in Rome

Juventus coach Fabio Capello returns to Rome today and can expect a hostile reception from his former fans in what is always one of Serie A's most bitterly contested fixtures.

While the match offers Roma a chance to get one over on the man who walked out on them for their northern rivals at the end of last season, for Juve the points are vital as they march in step with champions Milan in the title race.

Brazilian midfielder Emerson and French defender Jonathan Zebina both return to the Olympic stadium in Juve colours for the first time since moving to Turin with Capello.

Officials in Rome have urged fans to keep calm and have even laid on an exhibition of dancing girls before the game to try and take the aggression out of the atmosphere.

Capello transformed Roma during his tenure in the capital, winning the title for only the third time in the club's history in 2001 with a team inspired by Francesco Totti.

Totti, who was strongly critical of Capello's decision to leave for Juve, returns from suspension to make up a three-pronged Roma attack in what should be an open game.

As Capello is without his Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved, still recovering from the head injury he picked up in the recent Champions League game at Real Madrid, he is also expected to field three forwards.

The approach worked well in last week's 3-0 victory over Siena with two-goal Alessandro Del Piero operating in a free role and Uruguayan Marcelo Zalayeta and Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line.

Without Capello, Roma have been unable to keep up with Milan and Juve this season and their best hope is to try and capture a Champions League qualification spot.

After Capello's replacement Cesare Prandelli stood down on the eve of the new season for family reasons, German coach Rudi Voeller struggled to impose his authority on the team and poor results led him to resign.

Former Chievo coach Luigi Del Neri has restored some order to the club and they are now just five points off the fourth place which brings a place in the qualifying round of the Champions League.

Atalanta Vs Milan - Dutch defender Jaap Stam is set to return from injury and could take the place of suspended Brazilian Cafu at right back for Milan while Serginho should come in at left back for the injured Kakha Kaladze.

Despite still being rooted to the foot of the table, Atalanta have improved in recent weeks under new coach Delio Rossi with seven points from their last four games.

Fiorentina Vs Reggina - As if Fiorentina did not have enough problems they have now lost the services of 13-million-euro Bulgarian signing Valeri Bojinov, who is ruled out for two months with a thigh injury.

Dino Zoff only took over in January but is already under pressure and this is the sort of game the Florence side have to win if they are to keep out of the relegation zone.

Inter Vs Lecce - Inter have thrown in the towel on the title race after their derby defeat to Milan last week but can ill afford to ease up if they are to secure a European place for next season.

Roberto Mancini's defence will face another test from a Lecce side who have scored more goals than either Juve or Milan this season.

Livorno Vs Palermo - The Tuscans are unbeaten in their four home games under coach Roberto Donadoni while Palermo, who are eyeing a European place, are without midfielder Eugenio Corini and Simone Barone who are both suspended.

Messina Vs Lazio - Lazio are enjoying a mini-revival with three straight wins but Messina have lost just once at home this season and they held Juventus in Sicily a fortnight ago.

Lazio will have to field a second string attack with striker Fabio Bazzani suspended and Paolo Di Canio injured.

Parma Vs Cagliari - Cagliari striker Gianfranco Zola returns to face the club where he enjoyed his best seasons in Serie A but his team's away form has been poor this year with just one win on the road.

Sampdoria Vs Chievo - Four wins from their last five games have pushed Sampdoria into contention for a Champions League place and they will fancy their chances of extending that run against a Chievo side who have lost four of their last five.

Siena Vs Brescia - A relegation 'six-pointer' with Siena starting to compete with Inter as draw specialists - six of their last seven games have finished level.

Brescia are struggling for form and also have a lengthy injury list.

Udinese Vs Bologna - Udinese, without a win in their last three games, will have to reshuffle in the absence of injured striker Antonio Di Natale and suspended midfielder Giampiero Pinzi.