Gian Piero didn’t hold a pre-match press conference on Saturday, so we have fewer updates than usual regarding injuries. However, upon release of the squad list, we can confirm that neither Paulo Dybala nor Matías Soulé will return for this crucial tilt. Meanwhile, Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk remain out for the foreseeable future. In addition, Roma will be without Evan Ndicka, who is serving a yellow-card suspension.
Ndicka’s absence means that Mario Hermoso’s midweek return couldn’t have come
at a better time. Hermoso and Daniele Ghilardi will join Gianluca Mancini to complete the back three in front of Mile Svilar during Nicka’s absence. With three natural central defenders in the back line, Zeki Çelik will be used as a right wing-back in this match after playing further back against Bologna. Wesley will operate on the opposite flank.
While Bryan Zaragoza and Lorenzo Venturino have had opportunities in the attacking midfield over the last few matches with Dybala and Soulé out, it seems Gasperini will choose a more veteran presence for this game. Reports suggest that Bryan Cristante will move further up the pitch, supporting Lorenzo Pellegrini and Donyell Malen.
Cristante playing further up the pitch will allow another opportunity for Niccoló Pisilli to start with Manu Koné in the central midfield.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Hermoso; Celik, Koné, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Pellegrini; Malen
