Roma play their last game before the international break on Sunday against Empoli at Stadio Olimpico.
After turning things back in the right direction with a Conference League win over Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, Roma are now hoping their return to Serie A action will go better than their most recent game in the league, a loss to Lazio.
Standing in front of them this time is an Empoli side managed by ex-Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli, who took over the Serie B winners this summer.
The history between the two sides favours Roma, who have never lost at home in the league to Empoli. The most recent meeting was in March 2019, when Claudio Ranieri marked his temporary return to the Roma dugout with a 2-1 win.
It is only the present that Jose Mourinho will be thinking of though when he makes his selections for the match.
He said at his pre-match press conference that there was a chance Ebrima Darboe could continue in midfield after his first appearance of the season on Thursday. However, he also admitted Bryan Cristante remains an option, despite the risk of him being suspended against Juventus if he picks up a yellow card.
Mourinho also spoke enthusiastically about Lorenzo Pellegrini, who will be playing for the first time since signing his long-awaited contract extension with Roma.
The Special One didn’t get too much into the details of individual players beyond that, but did show his preparation by warning Roma to be alert to Empoli’s tendency to cross often and also shoot from outside the box.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the most important decisions Mourinho will have to make is who to play at centre-back. Chris Smalling could make his 50th Serie A appearance if he plays, following an impressive – and goalscoring – display against Zorya, but Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez may remain the first-choice pairing.
The likes of Jordan Veretout and Rick Karsdorp, who were rested in midweek, will be available again.
Mourinho has the chance to break the record for the most Serie A home games unbeaten in a row, as he is currently level with Max Allegri on 41.
Empoli, though, already have three wins on the board this season – one less than Roma – and will not be an easy obstacle to overcome despite their status as a promoted side.
Should Roma get the job done, it would be a big confidence booster before the break and subsequent return to action against Juventus in a fortnight.
The game kicks off at 5pm UK time and will be available to watch live on BT Sport Extra 2 (on the red button).
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