Totti
Totti Reuters

Roma looks to rebound after weak recent showings in Serie A

Things haven't been looking good for Roma this season. They are currently in eight place in the standings, and have been hard by the injury bug.

But Roma has a chance to salvage the season by a having a strong showing in the knockout stage of the Champions League when they host Ukrainian giant Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio Olimpico later today.

This is a difficult season,'' said Roma manager Claudio Ranieri on Tuesday. But we have to think of tomorrow's game and make amends for our defeat at the weekend.

In its last three Serie A matches, Roma has lost to Napoli, 2-0, and Inter Milan, 5-3, and managed only a 1-1 draw at home against Brescia.

Roma will be without strikers Marco Borriello (leg), who is on loan from AC Milan, and Brazil international Adriano (shoulder). Doni will start in goal in place of injured Julio Sergio. Chilean midfielder David Pizarro (knee) will be inactive, as well.

Veteran attacking-midfielder Francesco Totti is expected to start for Ranieri's side.

As for Shakhtar, Brazilian playmaker and vice-captain Fernandinho is inactive but recovering from a broken leg. Central defender Olexandr Kucher is sidelined with a knee injury.

Shakhtar is led by Croatian stars Darijo Srna, the team's captain, and forward Eduardo, who has scored three goals in Champions League competition so far.

The Ukrainian club may be looking to draw against Roma, knowing how difficult it will be for the Italian club to excel in the second leg at Donetsk.