Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Roma title challenge over, says Garcia

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has conceded his side's quest for the Serie A title is all but over, after they fell 14 points behind leaders Juventus.

Napoli coach Rafael Benítez (R) and AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia

Roma's quest for the Serie A title is virtually over after a 1-0 defeat to Napoli. (AAP)

Coach Rudi Garcia said Roma's Serie A title challenge is virtually over after a 1-0 defeat to Napoli left his side 14 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Roma have a game in hand after a recent fixture with Parma was rained off.

But even if Roma claim those three points, Garcia believes even an 11-point gap to the champions would be nearly impossible to close in the remaining 11 games.

A Roma defeat to Parma could also bring Napoli to within three points and in sight of the second and last automatic qualifying place for the Champions League.

Garcia told Sky Sport Italia: "Now, the gap (on Juventus) is fairly significant. We just have to keep on going and stay focused on reinforcing second place."

Roma travelled to the San Paolo hoping to reduce the arrears on Juventus after Antonio Conte's side had stretched their lead to 14 points with an earlier 1-0 win over fourth-placed Fiorentina.

However Roma missed a host of chances and were punished in the 81st minute when Jose Callejon rose to meet Faouzi Ghoulam's cross from deep on the left to beat Roma 'keeper Morgan De Sanctis with a precision header.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world