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Serie A

Roma should be boosted by the return of captain Francesco Totti for Thursday's Coppa Italia semi-final against Udinese.

Totti has been included in Claudio Ranieri's squad for the first-leg encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, having recovered from a knee injury that has kept him out of action since December.

"We will monitor his condition," said Ranieri. "Knowing Totti, he always says he is ready to play.

"He always tries to give more than he can and this is dangerous."

Totti's absence has not hindered Roma, who go into their midweek encounter of the back of four successive wins in Serie A.

That impressive form has lifted Ranieri's men level on 41 points with second-placed AC Milan and eight points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

While Roma host Fiorentina with a chance to take sole possession of second spot this weekend, Ranieri is only focused on Thursday's cup clash.

"I don't see past Thursday's game," he said.

"I am extremely concentrated on the game against Udinese."

Despite Udinese's struggles in Serie A - the Friuli outfit have taken just three points in their last seven games and their last win dates back to November 28- Ranieri is not taking their opponents lightly and for good reason.

The last time both sides met, it was Udinese that had the upper hand with a 2-1 win in Friuli earlier this season.

"Thursday's game is very difficult," said Ranieri. "Udinese have a chance to qualify for Europe if they win.

"I don't understand why they find themselves 17th in the standings because with their quality, they deserve to play in the Europa League.

"We cannot forget they eliminated AC Milan en route to the semi-finals of this competition."

With that in mind, Ranieri will not rest his top players.

"I expect all of my players to deliver," he said. "I want the best from them.

"Once that game is over, I can think of the game against Fiorentina."

Udinese coach Gianni De Biasi will give some of his players a breather in view of his side's crucial match against Napoli on Sunday.

The Bianconeri have yet to win in the league this year and find themselves just one point clear of the drop zone.

"I will rest some players," said De Biasi. "In any case we have a strong squad and any player can give a contribution to the team."

Udinese defender Andrea Coda hopes the side can deliver in Rome as they look to move a step closer to reaching their second ever Coppa Italia final, their first since 1922.

"We have a unique opportunity," he said. "To play the first game on the road could be an advantage for us.

"But Roma will try to put the tie beyond our reach and we have to be ready to stop them."