Juventus and AS Roma are seeking morale-boosting wins against Real Madrid and Chelsea in the Champions League this week after Serie A losses increased the pressure on their coaches.
Juventus lost at Napoli Saturday to drop to 11th in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Inter, which beat Roma 4-0 at the Olimpico Sunday to leave the Romans 16th, nine points off the lead.
Juve executives reiterated support for coach Claudio Ranieri amid media reports that the club, which finished third last season but has failed to win its last five games, has contacted potential replacements.
''Ranieri has the club's confidence and we don't want to say it again,'' said CEO Jean-Claude Blanc.
Roma Chairman Rosella Sensi did not come out in support of Spalletti, whose team, a close runner-up to Inter last year, has lost four of its seven matches this term.
Juventus host Real Madrid on Tuesday while Roma travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Both clubs also face stern domestic tests next weekend: Juve in the Turin derby with Torino on Saturday and Roma at second-placed Udinese on Sunday.
Five other Italian clubs see European action this week, two in the Champions League and three in the UEFA Cup.
In the Champions League, Fiorentina go to Bayern Munich on Tuesday while Inter entertain Anorthosis Famagosta on Wednesday
In the UEFA Cup, AC Milan, Udinese and Sampdoria have their first group matches on Thursday.
Milan visits Heerenveen, Sampdoria travels to Partizan Belgrade and Udinese welcomes Tottenham.
