ROME (AFP) - The Italian cup resumes, a competition regarded with disdain by Serie A's top clubs whose fixture lists are already hectic enough.
Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan all have their sights set on more prestigious prizes and routinely select second-string sides until the semi-final stage, while their fans tend to shun the early rounds, saving their money for more important matches.
However, for faltering Rome clubs Roma and Lazio, who are struggling in the league and in European competition, the cup represents a good chance of lifting some silverware and securing a place in the UEFA Cup.
It may be bottom of AC Milan's priority list, but defender Giuseppe Pancaro wants to win the cup all the same.
"It's a trophy that interests us," he said. "We want to be competitive in every tournament and this is no different.
"We have a tough match against Palermo on Saturday. They are doing well in the championship and have players who are getting call-ups to the national team.
"They also won their last match, so we have to be up for it. It's going to be difficult."
Udinese goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis, whose team have already been knocked out of the UEFA Cup, is keen to make up for their early exit by winning the trophy and reclaiming a place in Europe.
"We feel strongly about the cup," he said. "This is a competition we feel we can win.
"It was painful to crash out of Europe so early and we are desperate to get back into the competition."
The only team outside of Serie A left in the last 16 are fallen giants Torino, currently lying third in Serie B and who host Sampdoria on Friday.
Lazio won the trophy last season, beating Juventus over two legs.
Juventus have lifted the Italian cup nine times - more than any other club - while Roma are second with seven successes.
Torino, Fiorentina and AC Milan have all won it five times.
Fixtures
Friday
Torino v Sampdoria (1400 GMT), Roma v Siena (1600 GMT), Atalanta v Juventus (2000 GMT)
Saturday
Lecce v Udinese (1400 GMT), Fiorentina v Parma (1600 GMT), Palermo v Milan (2000 GMT)
Sunday 21
Cagliari v Lazio (1500 GMT), Inter v Bologna (2000 GMT)

11/20/2004 - 16:08 GMT - AFP