In-form Roma host Inter in first title clash

MILAN, Sept 18 (Reuters) Title challengers AS Roma host Inter Milan on Wednesday in the first big clash of Serie A while Sicily celebrates the return of its traditional derby.

Roma have made a bright start to the season with two straight wins but face a real test in a repeat of the curtain-raising Italian Super Cup won 4-3 by Inter.

The Romans' 3-1 victory at Siena yesterday followed the 2-0 win over Livorno on the opening day and with a convincing 4-0 triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League sandwiched in between there is an upbeat mood in the capital.

The atmosphere at champions Inter is somewhat different, however.

Although coach Roberto Mancini can claim a league and cup double last season, Inter only received the title after it was stripped from Juventus due to the match-fixing scandal.

After some heavy spending in the transfer market, Juve's relegation and the eight penalty points imposed on rivals AC Milan, the pressure is on Inter to dominate this season.

Inter's season began with a string of defensive errors to go 3-0 behind against Roma in the Italian Super Cup before they produced a brilliant comeback to win 4-3.

Then it was almost the reverse on the opening of Serie A when Inter went three up against Fiorentina but ended up hanging on to win 3-2.

A 1-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League preceded a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria on Saturday which has raised some questions about Mancini's side.

While the two 'scudetto' hopefuls meet in the capital, Sicilian football will enjoy the return of the traditional derby between Palermo and Catania.

It is 43 years since the two clubs met in the top flight and the Favorita stadium in Palermo will be sold out for the occasion.

Palermo have made a perfect start with two wins in Serie A and a victory at West Ham United in the UEFA Cup.

Catania have picked up four points from their opening two Serie A games.

AC Milan, who have won both their games to move to minus two points, are at home to Ascoli, while Fiorentina and Parma meet in Florence.

REUTERS AB SND1211