Salzburg v Roma is the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 play-offs and will be played on Thursday at 18:45: TV, line-ups, predictions.
Jose Mourinho was certainly not jumping for joy immediately after last November’s Nyon draw, which pitted Roma against hostile Salzburg in the Europa League round of 16 play-off match.
The Austrian side were of course much more insidious and famous opponents, but Matthias Jaissle’s team, a renowned reservoir of talent from which Leipzig have been drawing for years now – taking advantage of the fact that they are owned by the same club – are a tough nut to crack. Milan, who faced them in the Champions League round, drawing in the first leg and winning in the return, know something about this. Salzburg finished third behind Chelsea and the Rossoneri, collecting six points in six games: a disappointing haul, especially because of the number of goals scored (barely five), but this should not mislead the Giallorossi. Jaissle is at the helm of a very young team – the Giallorossi will have to keep a particularly close eye on the two talented youngsters Sesko and Susic – whose distinguishing features are the strong dynamism in the non-possession phase and the great intensity with which they face every opponent.
Don’t snub Salzburg
Salzburg, who, despite numerous disposals in the summer, have not distorted themselves, continue to pursue their usual philosophy and at continental level also boast some experience, having reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2017-18 season.
In their homeland, no one has been able to thwart them for years: this time Sturm Graz are trying, but the red-and-whites currently have six points more. In Austria, the season started again a few days ago: last weekend Salzburg overwhelmed Austria Lustenau 4-0 after being eliminated by Sturm Graz from the national cup on penalties. Roma, on the other hand, came from a disappointing draw in Lecce, where Baschirotto’s lead was answered by Dybala from the penalty spot. The Capitolini remained in the slipstream of Atalanta and Milan, keeping fourth place, but they squandered yet another opportunity against an opponent within their reach, such as those from Salento. Mourinho and his men, who finished second behind Betis in the group stage, will have to pay close attention to centre-forward Okafor, who has already scored nine goals so far, and to his team-mate Adamu, who is in a battle with Fernando.
Sesko could also come into the game. Mou’s only doubt is on the right: Zalewski and Celik are competing for a shirt, while in midfield Bove is asking for space.
The Prediction
Roma have been unbeaten in ten of their last eleven official matches and their excellent defensive resilience should allow them to avoid defeat in the hostile Austrian trip. It cannot be ruled out, however, that Salzburg will manage to score at least one goal.
Salzburg v Roma likely line-up
- SALISBURG (4-3-1-2): Köhn; Dedic, Solet, Pavlovic, Ulmer; Gourna-Douath, Seiwald, Kjaergaard; Sucic; Fernando, Okafor.
- ROMA (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Matic, Cristante, El Shaarawy; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
