Roma will be looking to continue their recent upturn in form when they host a Hellas Verona side that surpassed expectations this season on Wednesday night.
Paulo Fonseca’s side secured back-to-back wins in their last two games, against Parma and Brescia. They are now hoping to make it three in a row for the first time in 2020.
Standing in their way is a Verona side that have taken Serie A by surprise upon their return to the top flight. Ivan Juric’s side are on course to finish in the top half, even though they have only won twice since the league re-started.
This season, Verona have successfully used a formation similar to the one Roma have recently adopted – the back three. With Fonseca ready to stick with that system, it should be an interesting tactical clash.
Federico Fazio joins Chris Smalling on the injury list, so Bryan Cristante, who is returning from suspension, could join Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez in Roma’s back three.
Attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also in contention again after his one-match ban. The Armenian has been directly involved in three goals since the league resumed – only Edin Dzeko can match him.
The Roma captain, however, is without a goal in his last five appearances. That’s his longest drought of the season – he surely won’t stay away from the scoresheet too much longer.
Dzeko was rested in the most recent win over Brescia, with Nikola Kalinic impressing in his absence. With an even bigger game against Inter Milan on the horizon, it will be interesting to see who Fonseca opts for on Wednesday night.
The coach admits he is not planning too many changes, another sign he is gaining confidence with his selections. One switch he will make, though, is for first choice keeper Pau Lopez to replace the injured Antonio Mirante.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs for the opponents, there are two former Roma players among the Verona ranks. Midfielder Valerio Verre made little impact after graduating the Giallorossi academy, but has featured in 30 league games this season.
Meanwhile, Fabio Borini spent just one season at Roma. The winger joined Verona from AC Milan in January, but may not face his former side as he is just returning from injury.
Roma’s form against Verona has historically been very strong. Unbeaten in their last 16 meetings, the Giallorossi haven’t tasted defeat against the Gialloblu since 1997.
Stretching back even further, Verona haven’t beaten Roma at Stadio Olimpico since January 1973. No member of the current Roma squad – nor manager Fonseca – was alive then.
Verona are a stern opponent now, though, so Roma will need to be at their best to maintain that record.
The game kicks off at 8:45pm UK time. The only way to watch in Britain will be via the LiveScore App.
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