Roma v Sampdoria is a match in Week 28 of Serie A and is played on Sunday at 18:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming
José Mourinho has repeatedly stated in public that he does not have such a long squad to cope with the double midweek fixture without being affected by it.
And it is not surprising that in the last two months his Roma side have always fallen in the league following a great performance in Europe. The Giallorossi, fresh from their comeback win over Salzburg in the Europa League, were defeated by bottom-of-the-table Cremonese on 28 February. Something similar had happened two weeks later: in the match at the Stadio Olimpico against Sassuolo (3-4) the Capitolini paid for their efforts in the first leg of the round of 16 against Real Sociedad. And if it is true that three clues make a proof, it was inevitable that, after defending tooth and nail the 2-0 win in Spain by snatching a pass for the quarter-finals, Roma would concede something in the derby of the capital against Lazio. A derby strongly conditioned by the expulsion of the Brazilian defender Ibanez, who had already been a negative protagonist in the first leg by “provoking” the goal of the biancoceleste Felipe Anderson. This time it was Zaccagni who castigated the Giallorossi (1-0), taking the Biancocelesti to +5 in the table and inflicting their second consecutive knockout on their cousins.
Roma can make no more mistakes
A heavy blow for Roma, who now find themselves forced to chase: Mourinho’s men are fifth on 47 points, one less than fourth-placed AC Milan.
Jesé and Murillo
It’s the calendar, however, that lends a hand to Pellegrini and his team-mates, who are called upon not to make a mistake in their home match against Sampdoria, a team that now has one and a half feet in the lower division. The blucerchiati, however, have just shown that they absolutely do not want to raise the white flag, returning to winning ways after nearly two months in what was configured as a very last resort, namely the direct clash with Verona (3-1). Dejan Stankovic was finally able to smile after weeks of great bitterness: the convincing success against the Scaligeri, his first of the season at the Marassi, allowed him to leave the last place in the standings, although salvation remains nine points away. Sampdoria always lost to Roma in their last two league fixtures, both of which ended 1-0. Mourinho, however, does not shine in terms of points average, the worst for a coach with more than a full season left in Serie A at the helm of the Giallorossi since Zeman between ’97 and ’99.
Roma v Sampdoria: latest line-up info
Mourinho is in full defensive emergency. Three are disqualified: Mancini, Ibanez and Kumbulla, plus midfielder Cristante. The rearguard will therefore be led by Smalling, in his 100th appearance for the Giallorossi, surrounded by Celik and Llorente. In the middle, Wijnaldum will play with Matic, while in attack Belotti can undermine Abraham: the English centre forward could start from the bench.
A fairly covered form that Stankovic will choose to try to come out of the Olimpico unscathed. Gabbiadini – favoured over the returning Lammers – will be the lone striker, supported by Djuricic. There will be a five-man midfield with Zanoli and Augello on the outside, while in the middle Leris and Cuisance will give former Tottenham man Winks a hand in the direction. At the back Nuytinck is absent, disqualified: his place will be taken by Murillo.
The Prediction
The break might have benefited Roma, who need to redeem their derby defeat and cannot risk losing the Champions League train. The Giallorossi’s victory should not be in question. But at the same time it is likely that Sampdoria, who in the last two games have rediscovered the feeling with the goal, could score at least one goal, also taking into account the hosts’ re-strengthened defence.
Roma v Sampdoria matchday squad
- ROMA (3-4-1-2): Rui Patricio; Celik, Smalling, Llorente; Zalewski, Wijnaldum, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini; Dybala, Belotti.
- SAMPDORIA (3-5-1-1): Turk; Amione, Murillo, Murru; Zanoli, Leris, Winks, Cuisance, Augello; Djuricic; Gabbiadini.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
