Roma return from a two-week break with a home game against Genoa on Saturday, marking Jose Mourinho’s 100th match as a Serie A manager.
Prior to the recent break, Roma were on a run of three wins in a row. They will be looking to pick up the momentum against a Genoa side winless in seven.
The reverse fixture in November was a memorable one for Roma, when Felix Afena-Gyan was the unlikely hero with his first two goals at senior level in a 2-0 win. A few things have changed since then – including Genoa’s coach – but Roma would welcome another win and clean sheet if they can.
Doing so would be a fitting way to celebrate Mourinho’s 100th Serie A match in management (it will be the former Inter coach’s 24th with Roma). But just like when he prepared for previous milestones, he cannot – and will not – let his players and staff get ahead of themselves.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma will have to work from the start against a side fighting for their lives down in 19th place. Genoa drew their first game under new manager Alexander Blessin 0-0 (against Udinese) before the break, and now they are trying to disrupt Mourinho’s men.
Roma v Genoa team news
For each side, the form of their main striker has been pivotal. Genoa would be in an even worse position were it not for ex-Roma frontman Mattia Destro, while current Giallorossi striker Tammy Abraham is aiming to score in three consecutive games for the first time since joining the club.
It remains likely that Abraham will play (alongside Nicolo Zaniolo in attack), since Mourinho is not expected to rotate too much. Lorenzo Pellegrini will probably be among the substitutes after returning to training, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles should cover for Matias Vina at left-back after the latter’s recent commitments in South America.
Chris Smalling should also be a starter, so Roma could have their full English contingent on show again.
The game kicks off at 2pm GMT, but cannot be viewed live in the UK due to the TV blackout rule.
Get in the mood for matchday by learning these AS Roma chants.
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