What a difference a few months — or even just days — can make in a football season.

It was 17 October when Roma coach Rudi Garcia proclaimed that he was "sure" the Giallorossi would win Serie A — his belief strengthened by glaring refereeing errors in a 3-2 loss at Juventus earlier that month and only a one-point deficit to the three-time defending champions at the time.

Four days later, Roma was routed 7-1 at home by Bayern Munich in the Champions League for one of the club's most embarrassing performances in its history.

And now Roma has drawn six of its last seven matches in the Italian league to fall nine points behind entering Monday's rematch with Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.

"It could be match point for Juventus on Monday," Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini said. "We've got to focus on defending second place."

With Napoli only three points behind, Roma's hold on a direct Champions League spot is starting to look weak.

Another alarming factor is Roma's inability to win at home lately, with five consecutive draws.

Meanwhile, Juventus might approach the game with one eye on the second leg of its Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund, having edged the German side 2-1 in the opening leg Tuesday in Turin.

Juventus will be without midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo for 20 days.

The 35-year-old passing wizard tore a muscle in his right leg during the first half of the match against Dortmund.

The club hopes to have Pirlo back for the second leg against Dortmund on March 18, meaning he would miss three Serie A games — against Roma, Sassuolo and Palermo — plus the first leg of the Italian Cup semifinals against Fiorentina on March 8.