AS Roma vs Livorno: Preview and TV schedule

Rudi Garcia's side remain in the Scudetto hunt after easily dispatching Genoa 4-0 last weekend. The Giallorossi bounced back from their first loss of the season at league leaders Juventus to keep the gap at the top to eight points. Garcia has stated that the title isn't beyond Roma and his side will fancy their chances against struggling Livorno.

The Amaranto's 3-0 reverse at home to Parma last Saturday proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back for under-fire Davide Nicola, who was dismissed and replaced by former technical director Attilio Perotti. Inheriting a side that's currently joint bottom, the new tactician has a major task on his hands. He must rejuvenate a group of players that haven't tasted victory since the beginning of November and arrest a run of four consecutive defeats. Just one of Livorno's three victories has come on the road and their record of 16 goals scored is currently the third worst in Serie A.

Roma have been a dominant force at the Olimpico thus far, winning eight and drawing the other two of their home games. Garcia is boosted by the return of Leandro Castan, Daniele De Rossi and Adem Ljajic, who are all back after suspension. Federico Balzaretti remains the only major absentee through injury. With a Coppa Italia quarter final against Juventus looming in midweek, Garcia could be tempted to rest several first team stars in order to keep his players fresh.

Livorno will take heart from Cagliari and Sassuolo's battling performances, which earned them both a share of the spoils earlier in the season. Perotti has the luxury of choosing from a full strength squad for the trip to the Capital. Paulinho is the side's main source of goals, with the Brazilian currently on six goals.

AS Roma: (4-3-3) De Sanctis; Torosidis, Benatia, Castan, Dodo; Nainggolan, De Rossi, Strootman; Gervinho, Destro, Ljajic