Ranieri has eyes on double

AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri insisted Tuesday that his team are determined to reach the Coppa Italia final despite being embroiled in a title race with Inter Milan.

Roma travel to Udine on Wednesday in the semi-final, second leg hoping to defend their 2-0 lead over Udinese from February’s first leg.

But Ranieri said he will not be taking it lightly despite the team concentrating on their Serie A campaign in which they lead Inter by one point with just four games left as they go in search of their first title since 2001.

He is determined to reach the May 5 final in Roma’s home stadium.

“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t make the final in our own city,” he said.

“Tomorrow we’ll see if we’re focussed on the pitch. We’re playing a team who’ll be fired up and have some great players.

“However, I must say that my players are in good shape, living a positive euphoria, they’re focussed. But it’s on the pitch that matters.

“I won’t be resting players. I’ll bear everything in mind, we’ve got a great squad but I won’t be resting players.

“Udinese want to reach the final so they can qualify for Europe but we must make the final.”

Should Roma reach the final it will be the fifth time in the last six years that they play Inter Milan in the trophy match.

A victory would also ensure that the cup stays in Rome for the fourth year in a row — Roma won it in 2007 and 2008 while Lazio lifted it last year.

And just a couple of days on from the Rome derby, which they won 2-1, Ranieri was keen to defend the actions of club captain Francesco Totti.

The veteran forward gave a double thumbs down salute to his club’s fans after the game, a reference to the possibility that Lazio be relegated this season.

He picked up a 20,000-euro fine for that gesture but Ranieri was not annoyed at his player.

“These are things that are part of derbies and those from Rome know that,” he added.

“Lazio had a shirt with ‘Game Over’ written on it in case they won. It’s all part of the show.”