Roma dismiss Lippi talk

Lippi: Linked with Roma

Roma have quashed speculation linking Marcello Lippi with the manager's role and given their full backing to Claudio Ranieri.

Roma have collected just two points from their first four Serie A games this season, and lost to Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League opener, to leave Ranieri under pressure.

Reports have suggested that former Italy boss Lippi could step in to replace Ranieri, but the club's sporting director Daniele Prade insists there are no such plans in place.

Ranieri guided Roma to second in the league last term and has been assured that he will have time to turn things around.

"There is no Lippi situation," said Prade.

"I confirm our confidence in Ranieri."

Roma's next challenge is a home game against reigning champions Inter Milan, but Ranieri will be without goalkeeper Julio Sergio.

Sergio is expected to be sidelined for around a month after sustaining ligament damage to his right ankle during Wednesday's controversial 2-1 defeat to Brescia.