Leandro Castan insists Sunday’s showdown is “like a Final for us, as Roma and Juventus are the strongest sides.”
Going into the game, which kicks off in Turin on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, only five points separate them at the top of the Serie A table.
Leandro Castan insists Sunday’s showdown is “like a Final for us, as Roma and Juventus are the strongest sides.”
Going into the game, which kicks off in Turin on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, only five points separate them at the top of the Serie A table.
“This is like a Final for us – Roma and Juventus are the two strongest sides in the Division, but we can do it if we remain concentrated,” defender Castan told Sky Sport Italia.
“Carlos Tevez is a top player, but we have shown that we are a team who just never give up.”
Juve may be top, but the Giallorossi are still unbeaten under Coach Rudi Garcia and conceded only seven goals in 17 games.
“I didn’t expect our defence to be the best, statistically, in Europe. Garcia has given us the confidence which we didn’t have during the last campaign.
“What I want from 2014 is the Scudetto at Roma. It would be a perfect year for the squad and myself.”
The year doesn’t end in May with the Serie A title, because Castan is also targeting a spot at the 2014 World Cup.
“I hope to be part of the Brazil squad for the World Cup. But, if I won the League title with the Giallorossi, then I’d happily go to Brazil just to cheer on the national side.”
Castan is a 27-year-old who joined Roma from Corinthians in the summer of 2012 for just €5.5m.