Roma will be up against another European challenger when they take on an always tricky Atalanta on Saturday.
In their final away match of 2021, Roma will be in Bergamo to compete with the third-placed side in Serie A, whom they have not beaten since the opening day of the 2017-18 season.
There is currently a nine-point gap between the two sides in the league, making it a tough task for Jose Mourinho’s men.
Even so, the manager has promised to go to the Gewiss Stadium to win, despite denying it would be make-or-break for Roma’s Champions League hopes.
Mourinho has confirmed that Chris Smalling is available to play despite a fitness scare. It will be a boost given his recent form when available, and the fact that Roger Ibanez – although travelling with the group – isn’t at 100%. Gianluca Mancini is in contention to face his former side after serving a suspension.
Meanwhile, further forward, Nicolo Zaniolo will start the match after returning from his own suspension. Felix Afena-Gyan, though, is out after being sent off against Spezia.
Roma have only won three of their eight away games in Serie A so far this season. It will be a tough ask to pick up a fourth – against a side who haven’t lost anywhere in the league since their first match of October – but that is still the aim.
The game kicks off at 2:00pm GMT, so will not be available to watch live for those in the UK.
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