Roma are back in Serie A action just a few days after their Europa League win over Shakhtar, as they visit Parma on Sunday.
In buoyant mood thanks to their win at home on Thursday, Roma are now aiming for successive away league wins for the first time this season.
Before the victory over Shakhtar, Roma beat Fiorentina away and Genoa at home. The target now is to make it four wins in a row – which would be their best run of 2021.
Just like against Shakhtar, though, it will not be a straightforward task. Roma will be without Chris Smalling, Jordan Veretout and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – arguably their most important defender, midfielder and attacker.
Hence, other players will need to step up again, such as Pedro – who has been confirmed as a starter. It is not yet clear who will join him in the attacking trident, with Paulo Fonseca urging people to not put too much pressure on Stephan El Shaarawy despite his return to the scoresheet in midweek.
Edin Dzeko and Borja Mayoral are both available to start as the centre-forward. Both may have a point to prove after Mkhitaryan was initially preferred in a false nine role in the last game.
At the back, Gianluca Mancini could be the leader again, having scored in his last two appearances. However, after playing through the pain barrier in the Europa League, Fonseca will have to decide whether he is ready to play again.
The opponents too are dealing with some absences, which should make for a level playing field. Former Roma star Gervinho is a key man for Roberto D’Aversa, but is unavailable for this game, for example.
In the reverse fixture, Roma won 3-0 thanks to a brace from Mkhitaryan and Mayoral’s first Serie A goal. It continued a positive trend of results against the Crociati, who have struggled against most sides this season and are currently in the relegation zone.
Another win would lift Roma back into the Champions League places – exactly the territory they want to be in by the end of the season.
The game kicks off at 2pm UK time and will be available to watch live on Free Sports.
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