Rome - After weeks of embarrassing results, Roma seem to be over one of their worst ever season starts, which practically cut them off from the race for the Serie A title.

The red-yellows from the capital were again expected to be among the toughest opponents for title holders Inter Milan after coming second in 2007 and 2008, but their reputation and hopes were badly dented by six defeats in the first nine games.

With a 16-point deficit from the leading champions after 13 games, Roma had to cut down their ambitions at home.

But they still have good hopes to do well in the Champions League.

After a second straight win at the weekend got them away from the danger zone in the Serie A, captain Francesco Totti said that "the fourth place (which grants a berth in the Champions League next season) is our goal. Should we do better, it will be great, otherwise it will be a rout."

Making the knockout stage in the Champions League has thus become the only way for Roma to bring lustre to a season that had his turning point earlier this month with a 3-1 beating of Chelsea in Rome.

The memorable success that lifted them within one point of the English giants, who still lead Group A on seven points. Roma notched one draw and two wins to finally regain the confidence they seemed to have lost.

Roma face two crucial games, the first Wednesday at Romanian side Cluj, who beat them 2-1 in the opening game, and at home to group tail-enders Bordeaux, also still in contention despite losing 3-1 to Roma in France.

"I think we are getting back to our standards," Totti said, "to the consistency of our team, and this is the main thing."

Finally upbeat and pleased by good playing and precious points, coach Luciano Spalletti agreed with his captain, saying he felt that "the worst is behind us, mostly considering what the boys do when they train.

"I must congratulate them for how they remained united in the difficult moments. I thank them because with many of them I won 100 games at Roma, and that's no small thing."

Securing the knock-out stage of the continental tournament is the only way to rev up a season that no Roma fans wants to be one to forget. (dpa)