Roma director Tiago Pinto insists the ‘sporting justice system is in good hands’ after Jose Mourinho was called to an in-person meeting over his criticism of referees.
The match with Fiorentina kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
Only one point separates these sides going into the game, so whoever wins will take fourth place and in the case of the Giallorossi it’s an opportunity to close within two points of Milan in third.
There is even more pressure on after Bologna won 2-1 away to Salernitana and temporarily took themselves into fourth place ahead of Roma.
“We will be satisfied if we have three points at the final whistle. It’s too early to evaluate, there are going to be positive and negative moments over the course of a season,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN.
“Fiorentina are a side with great players and a great coach. In recent years, the matches against them have always been difficult and interesting, but we are at home and want to take the three points.”
This week Mourinho had a meeting in person with FIGC Prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné over his comments about referee Matteo Marcenaro.
The coach had insisted suggesting the referee “lacks the emotional stability” to officiate their game with Sassuolo was not an insult.
“The sporting justice system is in my view in good hands. The prosecutor has showed he does not play favourites and always does what is best for Italian football,” added the director.
“We had this meeting face to face, we showed that we have the right attitude and are trying to set an example on and off the field. The coach has also praised referees this season and had no intention of insulting anyone, so the only way his words could cause controversy was if they were misinterpreted.
“We are trying to respect everyone, as we know that referees have a difficult job.”
Mourinho’s contract with Roma only runs to the end of the season, so Tiago Pinto was yet again asked if there is any sign of a renewal.
“You ask me this question every single time and just as Mourinho replied when you asked him yesterday, our future is the next game.”
This petulant man needs kicking out of Italian football for the good of the game.