With their victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, Roma extended their winning streak: the win against the Basques was their fifth in a row between the league and cup. As against Como last Sunday, the Giallorossi came from behind to win again (2-1), once more benefiting from their opponents’ numerical inferiority: while against the Larians it was a goal from Dovbyk that gave Claudio Ranieri’s side the three points, on Thursday at the Olimpico it was substitute striker Shomurodov who decided the match, scoring in stoppage time and sending the capital’s stadium into raptures.
Regardless of how things turn out next week in Bilbao, there is no denying the exponential growth of a Roma side that has not lost in Serie A since mid-December and, thanks to this string of positive results, is back in the running for a place in Europe, reviving a season that, after two changes of coach and a disastrous first half, did not seem to have much to offer.
Despite the cup tie, Ranieri is now called upon to take advantage of a favorable schedule in the coming days: the match against Empoli represents another opportunity to climb further up the table (the Giallorossi are currently two points behind Fiorentina in seventh place). In their last match, the Tuscan side failed to build on their historic qualification for the Coppa Italia semi-finals, achieved away to Juventus: at Marassi, against Genoa, Roberto D’Aversa’s team were pegged back with 10 minutes to go (1-1) and had to settle for a draw. The point did not allow Empoli to leave the third-last place but at least interrupted the Azzurri’s long losing streak (four defeats in a row).
Empoli-Roma: the latest news on the lineups
The infirmary is always crowded at Empoli. Against Roma, D’Aversa will have to do without several players, from Fazzini to Viti, Maleh, Ismajli, Anjorin, Zurkowski, Ebuehi, Haas, and Pellegri. The Azzurri coach has no choice but to make some tough decisions. Marianucci is confirmed in defense, while Colombo will lead the attack, supported by the duo Esposito-Cacace.
Ranieri, on the other hand, will rotate his squad ahead of the San Mamés clash, but above all to give some players who spent a lot of energy on Thursday a rest. In defense, Rensch will replace the suspended Mancini, while Shomurodov is ahead of Dovbyk up front. Saelemaekers and Koné are back from the start, while the injured Celik could be out.
Odds comparison
Roma are priced at 1.98 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.95 on Snai. A goal is priced at 1.72 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.77 on Snai.
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The prediction
It’s difficult to go against Roma at the moment, but the Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao will certainly have taken a lot out of the Giallorossi, who will have to be wary of an Empoli side that may have been reshuffled but is hungry for points to secure their survival. After all, last August, the Tuscan side already played a trick on the capital club, winning 2-1 at the Olimpico and paving the way for De Rossi’s dismissal. It would not be a surprise if the Azzurri managed to score at least one goal against Ranieri’s team this time around.
Probable line-ups for Empoli-Roma
EMPOLI (3-4-2-1): Silvestri; De Sciglio, Goglichidze, Marianucci; Gyasi, Grassi, Henderson, Pezzella; Esposito, Cacace; Colombo.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Rensch, Hummels, N’Dicka; Saelemaekers, Koné, Paredes, Angeliño; Dybala, Pellegrini; Shomurodov.