Roma have some wrongs to right in the Coppa Italia as they set out on their latest quest for a long-awaited trophy.
The Coppa Italia was the last honour Roma lifted, all the way back in 2008. This year, it represents one of two chances – along with the Europa Conference League – that Jose Mourinho has to try and end the drought with at his first time of asking.
This competition last year brings back bad memories for Roma, though, after their chaotic extra-time, nine-man defeat to Spezia in the Round of 16. It was awarded as a walkover win for the opponents due to Paulo Fonseca infamously making too many substitutions.
Now, his successor Mourinho will be hoping for more joy – or at least less drama – at the same stage of the competition, which he won with Inter last time he was in it (beating Roma in the final, frustratingly enough).
Embed from Getty ImagesThe opponents this time around are Lecce, the only Serie B side to have made it to this round. They defeated Spezia themselves in the previous round to set up this tie.
The Lecce squad features a couple of former Roma youth players, Arturo Calabresi and Francesco Di Mariano. They are currently fifth in Serie B, going into this game on the back of a 1-0 win over Pordenone.
Roma also won their most recent game 1-0, courtesy of a Sergio Oliveira debut penalty against Cagliari. The Portuguese midfielder may feature again for his competition debut, but Mourinho could make some other changes.
Reports have indicated that Eldor Shomurodov and Carles Perez are among the fringe players who could come into the lineup.
Mkhitaryan milestone in Roma v Lecce?
Meanwhile, someone more regular – Henrikh Mkhitaryan – might make his 100th appearance for the club.
He was one of the goalscorers in the last meeting between the two clubs, which was a 4-0 win for Roma in February 2020 (their last home match before lockdown). The others, for what it’s worth, have all since departed.
Therefore, with several players in line to make possible competition debuts too, Mourinho will be hoping the men he relies on can take the first step of a cup run.
The winners will have a quarter-final with reigning Serie A champions Inter to contend with.
This game kicks off at 8pm UK time. It will not be live on any British TV.
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