Jose Mourinho will expect a response from AS Roma when they take on a resurgent Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday.
A fine start to the year for AS Roma has made them solid contenders for a top-four place. While there is no catching Napoli at the summit of Serie A, the best Jose Mourinho will hope is to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. However, they suffered a setback last week, to which the manager will demand a response.
Last Sunday, AS Roma could only conjure up a point against Lecce, while Red Bull Salzburg beat them on Thursday. The loss to the Austrian outfit was a huge blow for Mourinho and their ambitions to progress in the Europa League. Yet, before they play the second leg, they must find a rhythm as they go up against Hellas Verona.
💬 “We dominated. Their late goal was unfair on us.”
José Mourinho after #SalzburgRoma
👉 https://t.co/oKaRCHIJc5#ASRoma #UEL pic.twitter.com/XIlp1QbYYa
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) February 16, 2023
While Roma’s away form has produced concerns, they have proved strong at home in recent games. Mourinho’s men have not conceded in their last three games while winning each of those at Stadio Olimpico. Those results matched their best run at the ground since 2014, and a win over Hellas Verona would serve to better it.
Hellas Verona had a terrible start to the season but have been resurgent in recent times. They have closed the gap between themselves and safety to a mere two points, but they continue to sit in the danger zone. Marco Zaffaroni’s men earned a solid 1-0 win over 16th-placed Salernitana on Monday, and there’s optimism coming to the Capital.
In 2023, Verona have picked 12 points from seven games, a run only bettered by Juventus and Monza in the top division. There’s plenty of confidence coming to Roma, as many believe Verona can upset Mourinho’s men. If they do so, then the pressure will be on Spezia and Salernitana to get wins and remain above the relegation zone.
Team News & Tactics
AS Roma
AS Roma fans were left worried after Paulo Dybala was forced off with an injury. However, fears of a serious problem have evaporated as it’s only a minor thigh issue. The Argentine will sit out Sunday’s clash with Verona as a result.
Come for Matic's assist… 😮💨
Stay for Volpato's goal… 🤩🔙 Our last game against Verona!#ASRoma #RomaVerona pic.twitter.com/k2tCwLO5TW
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) February 18, 2023
Stephan El Shaarawy is the realistic replacement for Dybala, as his presence could somewhat allow Mourinho to shift his attacking setup. El Shaarawy will likely play more in support of Tammy Abraham in the final third. As a result, Zeki Celik could come on the right side, with Nicola Zalewski likely playing from the left.
There’s also the case of Georgino Wijnaldum, to make his first start since recovering from a broken leg. If Mourinho decides against that idea, then Nemanja Matic and Bryan Cristante will hold the central midfield roles.
In the attack, Abraham will lead the line for Roma with Lorenzo Pellegrini and El Shaarawy behind him in support. At the back, Mourinho will keep a three man unit led by Chris Smalling, Ibanez and Gianluca Mancini.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Zalewski; El Shaarawy, Pellegrini; Abraham
Hellas Verona
Hellas Verona have at least four players ruled out with injuries. Marco Faraoni, Miguel Veloso, Ajdin Hrustic and Thomas Henry are all out of contention. Ibrahim Sulemana is also likely to miss this clash, meaning, the team’s midfield should remain unchanged from the previous game.
Ecco i 2️⃣4️⃣ convocati di mister #Zaffaroni per #RomaVerona 🟡🔵#DaiVerona #SerieATIM pic.twitter.com/nIBdJBabH6
— Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) February 18, 2023
Adrien Tameze and Ondrej Duda are the incumbents in the central midfield roles. Josh Doig and Fabio Depaoli will flank them on either flank as Verona goes with a back three and wing-backs.
Darko Lazovic and Cyril Ngonge will support Adolfo Gaich in the attack with the latter leading the line for Verona. At the back, Diego Coppola, Isak Hien and Giangiacomo Magnani will form the three-man defensive unit to keep Roma’s attackers at bay.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Montipo; Coppola, Hien, Magnani; Depaoli, Tameze, Duda, Doig; Lazovic, Ngonge; Gaich
Key Stats
- AS Roma have seen over 2.5 goals in their last seven matches against Verona in all competitions.
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in eight of Roma’s last ten games in Serie A.
- Roma is undefeated in all competitions in 19 of their last 21 matches against Verona.
- Roma have scored at least two goals in nine of their last ten home matches against Verona in all competitions.
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Verona’s last seven games in Serie A.
Player to Watch
Tammy Abraham
Paulo Dybala has taken on the mantle of becoming Roma’s most important player in the attack. While he will be absent for the Verona game, Abraham must take responsibility and bring his team up to gear. The English forward is also looking for his 50th senior goal in Europe’s top five leagues, which he hopes to achieve on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the forward’s performances have remained somewhat mixed, as he has been inconsistent throughout the season. He can make amends and show Roma fans that the team can function without Dybala and score goals.
Prediction
AS Roma 2-1 Hellas Verona
The contest could be tight, considering the form trajectory of both sides. While AS Roma are reeling from a tough week, Hellas Verona come to the capital with optimism. Yet, they might find it tough going against Jose Mourinho’s men, who are looking to respond.
Roma certainly have a better-quality squad than Verona, which may come in handy for Mourinho to collect the three points. Roma are expected to win and continue to hold their position in the top four of Serie A standings.
