Roma have another chance to show signs of improvement against the big teams when they host AC Milan on Sunday.
Games of such magnitude have proved a stumbling block for Paulo Fonseca during his time in charge of Roma so far. However, there have been signs of progress in some.
The reverse fixture was an example, when Roma did something they had never done before in their entire history – equalising three times after going behind to claim a draw.
At this stage of the season, though, those draws need to become wins if Roma are to capitalise on teams around them dropping points.
Roma go into this match with a depleted squad. In addition to the numerous injuries in defence, the Giallorossi are now without star striker Edin Dzeko.
That means Borja Mayoral, who scored in the Europa League in midweek, will get a rare chance against a big team.
In terms of the defence, Marash Kumbulla is back in the squad, although he may not be ready to start. Instead, the back three may consist of Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, and one other player – with Leonardo Spinazzola likely to return to his more advanced wing-back role.
Stephan El Shaarawy may also get a chance against the club at which he made his name. Paulo Fonseca joked in his pre-match press conference that the returning winger has been suggested as either a full-back or a striker for upcoming games – but in truth, he is probably more likely to come off the bench.
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Roma and Milan are both looking to preserve positive records from the season as a whole. Visitors Milan have the best away record in Serie A this season, whereas Roma remain the only team unbeaten at home. Those records will both be put to the test at Stadio Olimpico.
A win would put Roma just two points behind second-placed Milan, while a loss would have the Giallorossi looking over their shoulders again. This season will be decided by fine margins, and this game will likely follow a similar pattern.
The game kicks off at 7:45pm UK time and will be available to watch live on Premier Sports 1.
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