GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Roma face off with rivals Napoli in the Derby Del Sole on Sunday evening as they look to build on the midweek win over CSKA Moscow.
Eusebio Di Francesco's side put in a fluent performance on Tuesday as they beat the Russians 3-0 in the Champions League, and they will be looking to show similar form in the league, having won less than half of their Serie A matches this season. They come up against a strong Napoli side who have dealt well with transition under Carlo Ancelotti. The former Roma midfielder has helped his new club to seven wins from nine in the league, ensuring they haven't fallen off the pace since Maurizio Sarri's departure in pre-season. Ancelotti has overseen a tactical switch to something that more resembles a 4-4-2 than the 4-3-3 Sarri used last season. As part of this, Lorenzo Insigne has been used more centrally, offering support to Dries Mertens. Insigne is always a danger man and has responded well to his new role, scoring eight goals in 11 games in all competitions. He scored in both games between the two sides last season, including the winner for his team in the first meeting back in October. Di Francesco hinted in his press conference that he could use the same lineup as he did on Tuesday, meaning the double midfield pivot of Daniele De Rossi and Steven Nzonzi could continue. De Rossi will be making his 450th Serie A appearance for Roma if selected. Ahead of them, Lorenzo Pellegrini will be looking to have as big an influence as he did against CSKA, while at left-back, Davide Santon should keep his place in the side while Aleksandar Kolarov continues his return to fitness. Fresh from scoring a double in midweek, Edin Dzeko is expected to lead the line against the side he has scored against more than any other team in Serie A. The Bosnian has netted four times against Napoli. As he looks to continue his ascension up the club's goalscoring charts - which recently saw him overtake the man who has scored the most Derby Del Sole goals, Dino Da Costa - his teammates will be relying on him to once again have an impact in a big game. Justin Kluivert misses out on a place in the squad through injury, while Javier Pastore is also absent. Rick Karsdorp continues his prolonged spell on the sidelines, with the Dutch full-back's long-term Roma future looking increasingly in doubt. If Roma can get a win, they will move to within four points of their opponents, potentially rising to 5th place. The game kicks off at 7:30pm UK time. Expected Roma lineup:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
All
Archives
October 2019
|