Inter's Chivu in battle to face former club Roma

MILAN, Sep 27 (Reuters) Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu is facing a race to be fit for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with former club AS Roma.

Chivu dislocated his shoulder in Romania's 3-1 defeat in Germany on September 12 and was expected to be out for a month.

However, the 26-year-old could feature at the Stadio Olimpico, where he is likely to receive a hostile reception following his protracted close season move from last season's runners-up to the champions.

''I think that Chivu, with a bit of pain and suffering, could be available for Saturday's game against AS Roma,'' Inter coach Roberto Mancini told reporters.

Roma striker Francesco Totti missed yesterday's 2-2 draw at Fiorentina with a thigh strain but the talismanic captain will do everything to be fit for the Inter match with the two sides leading the table on 11 points from five games.

Totti, who turns 31 today, has scored five goals in his last four games having taken the European Golden Boot with 26 league goals last season.

Another intense atmosphere is expected for Sunday's Turin derby between Torino and Juventus.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri rested Alessandro Del Piero and Pavel Nedved for Wednesday's 4-0 win over Reggina with the derby in mind.

David Trezeguet scored his sixth of the season against Reggina and looks to have lost none of his sharpness after a season in Serie B following Juve's demotion for match-fixing and immediate promotion.

AC Milan, who have not won in the league since the opening day, will be confident of victory when they host Catania on Sunday.

Ronaldo and Paolo Maldini still do not look ready for action despite expectations that they would return from injury by the end of September.

Roma host Inter at 2130 IST on Saturday with Livorno entertaining Fiorentina in the late game at 1830. Sunday's matches are at 1830 IST except the Turin derby which kicks off at 2400 IST.

REUTERS BJR PM1324