Inter`s record run of 17 consecutive victories was ended in midweek after they were held to a 1-1 draw by European hopefuls Udinese.

The Nerazzurri are currently 13 points clear at the top of the table, but coach Roberto Mancini has warned his players to expect a tough test against Livorno.

"It will be a hard match against Livorno, who are having an excellent championship, and we will be playing at a tough ground.

"We'll have to play an excellent match to win," he told the club`s official website.

Inter face Valencia in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash at the Mestalla Stadium on Tuesday.

But Mancini has also urged his players to forget their European clash and to focus on securing three points against Livorno.

"We must try to get back to winning ways in the championship at Livorno, but it won't be easy. After that we will focus on the Champions League," he added.

Roma know they must beat basement club Ascoli if they are to keep their slim title aspirations alive.

Luciano Spalletti`s side lost the opportunity to reduce the gap between them and the league leaders when they were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Chievo in midweek.

Spalletti has told talismanic striker Francesco Totti that he will take any penalties the club are awarded, despite failing to score from the penalty spot six times already this season.

"Next time we have a penalty, Totti will have another go at scoring," Spalletti told Roma Channel.

"I will impose this. And if it is a decisive penalty, you will see, he will score it."

AC Milan will also be looking to secure victory over Chievo and kick-start their stuttering Champions League qualification hopes.

The Rossoneri are three points adrift of the Champions League berths after drawing 0-0 with high-flying Palermo last time out.

But third-placed Palermo can take another step towards qualification for Europe`s elite competition if they beat struggling Messina on Sunday.

Messina, who are languishing in 18th spot, entertain Palermo at the Stadio San Filippo searching for only their second victory in 17 games.

Lazio also face a crucial clash when they entertain fellow European hopefuls Sampdoria.

Lazio warmed up for the match by securing a comfortable 3-1 win over Catania, while Sampdoria overcame Atalanta 2-1.

Elsewhere, Parma host Reggina in a crucial relegation clash and Fiorentina are at home to Torino.

Atalanta also travel to Cagliari, Siena are away to Catania and Empoli travel to Udinese.